tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31364201156880991572024-03-19T04:48:45.064-04:00Insecure Writer's Support GroupThe Insecure Writer's Support Group website and database. Everything from writing to marketing, providing support and encouragement. All writers welcome to join the monthly IWSG Wednesday postings!
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comBlogger632125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-46308141562460277842024-03-18T05:00:00.000-04:002024-03-18T07:28:18.973-04:00Understanding the Book Publishing Contract<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YXHlqfx2GhfrC0Y9p5a3_kpj543Di7-lOyBokXOkNjG6wiR7OV47IuiysMC_fM6PCT26OnTHwIRLfSc3qs8W-GFEAdagrFjvRKsyb9RRtr9skmCNZK-UQFaPTAIMQSTnJt7NP40554oL5y0Wt3wWLxMaSxheVGKSWkdjMAkvo_10GHAYj6O3kjvFUSxB/s3008/pexels-pixabay-48148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3008" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YXHlqfx2GhfrC0Y9p5a3_kpj543Di7-lOyBokXOkNjG6wiR7OV47IuiysMC_fM6PCT26OnTHwIRLfSc3qs8W-GFEAdagrFjvRKsyb9RRtr9skmCNZK-UQFaPTAIMQSTnJt7NP40554oL5y0Wt3wWLxMaSxheVGKSWkdjMAkvo_10GHAYj6O3kjvFUSxB/s320/pexels-pixabay-48148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<i>image from Pexels</i><br /></p><p>
<br />
Many writers dream of signing on with a publisher. That first publishing contract can be so exciting – and SO confusing. <br />
<br />
Here is a list of terms, items covered, and what a new author needs to know before signing a contract. <br />
<br />
<b>Copyright</b><br />
The author usually retains rights and ownership to their work. Work for hire or academic works differ and the author may not retain the copyright. <br />
<br />
<b>Grant</b><br />
The author grants the publisher the rights to publish the works. <br />
<br />
<b>Representations</b><br />
The author pledges they are the sole proprietor of the work and is responsible for any violations of rights against the publisher by another party. The fine print varies, but it often falls to the author to defend against any violations. <br />
<br />
<b>Delivery</b><br />
The author agrees to deliver all components of the manuscript including script, images, footnotes, etc. within a certain time frame. <br />
<br />
<b>Publication</b><br />
The publisher agrees to publish the work within a time certain frame. <br />
<br />
<b>Subsidy rights</b><br />
These are rights outside of the initial book and include first or second serial rights, translations, foreign markets, movie and TV rights, audio rights, merchandising, book club rights, etc. These are negotiated into the contract with the author receiving some rights to no rights. (The author receives a percentage or the publisher keeps all of the profits.) Subsidy rights can be negotiated for with an agent. Without one and dealing directly with a publisher, an author must decide what they are willing to give up. <br />
<br />
<b>Advance</b><br />
This is paid up front before the book is published and is often an estimation of royalties based on what the publisher expects to sell in the first year. No royalties will be received by the author until the advance has been covered in full. <br />
<br />
<b>Royalties</b><br />
The percentage for each format the author receives for each copy sold. The percentage will vary between print, eBook, audio, etc. Hard covers receive the highest, often 10% or more of net. (Not retail unless an agent negotiates a better deal.) Paperback and mass-market can drop to 7%. Electronic copies often net the best deal at 25-35%. <br />
<br />
<b>Overpayments</b><br />
The publisher will deduct overpayments from future royalties or demand their return if exceeding a certain amount. <br />
<b><br />
Author copies</b><br />
The cost of books ordered directly from publisher by the author. <br />
<br />
<b>Statements and payments</b><br />
How often royalties are paid by the publisher. <br />
<br />
<b>Reversion and termination</b><br />
The rights of the publisher to terminate the book after X amount of years with a written notice to the author. The publisher also has the right to terminate before publication under some circumstances. Note that while the publisher retains the right to terminate, the author often DOES NOT. (Authors can request termination, but it is up to each individual publisher whether they will grant it or not.) <br />
<br />
<b>Bankruptcy</b><br />
What happens if publisher closes shop. <br />
<br />
<b>Options on next work</b><br />
The publisher gets first look at author’s next work, particularly in a series. <br />
<br />
<b>Marketing</b><br />
The publisher will list what they will do and what is expected of the author. <br />
<br />
There are many other details – arbitration, infringement, inheritance, etc. – but the list above gives you an idea what to expect with that first contract. Always look it over carefully and hire an entertainment or publishing law lawyer if possible. <br />
<br />
Have you signed a publishing contract? Are there things you still don’t understand? We hope this has helped! <br />
<br />
</p>L. Diane Wolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-90441405916866537262024-03-11T07:30:00.001-04:002024-03-11T07:30:00.131-04:00Republishing My Book<p> </p><h2 class="date groupDate" style="background-color: white; color: #382110; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin: 4px 0px 1em;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you C. Lee McKenzie for inviting me to blog here. I am happy to share my republishing tale. For three years my book was out of print and not available for sale except in second hand. The prices for books were astronomical. I was devastated and here is my story of how I was able to get it back out there into the hands of readers.</span></h2><div class="blogPosts" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="elementList" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(215, 215, 215); font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 2em; padding: 0px; zoom: 1;"><div class="authorBlogPost stacked" id="authorBlogPost-24545567" style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><div class="body mediumText u-marginBottomSmall" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 12px;">Many of you have been published by a traditional publisher and may or may not have been in my position. My book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Could-Like-Jennifer-Taylor/dp/1916954383/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q2VWFWUN4A5H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WFUT6AvahZ_a6uAuU3pyPpQVsSwDrdBBLdPxZ3N5q2Paa6rMnE13Z0YoXRcYFB_DdM-A2NXYUWjOhYj_Rv14niPGCs6zjGFCZF1przS6qqIhG03zzlAUu_XIwVjxyH_X2yByi_S4XqlWofjyal3QSOhtfUOjVAUvhlwISKU-6sgRQsPvVsl7XGqcJbGBID71PT1fZA0R0Ay83nTKhacY7laJW82Qc61OmOQuJ4ZwLpQ.Hf_umM8Pif2RAE5_RU6FVmsK41x_fkiwPzQfYU0cMEA&dib_tag=se&keywords=if+i+could+be+like+jennifer+taylor&qid=1709753103&sprefix=%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1" target="_blank">If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor,</a> was published in 2011 by MuseItUp Publishing as an ebook and later as a paperback. Three years ago my publisher sent me back the manuscripts on Word docs and told me she was going out of business. I had the rights to the text but not to the cover. So I went looking for a publisher for my book.<br /><br />If you look on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Could-Like-Jennifer-Taylor/dp/1916954383/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q2VWFWUN4A5H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WFUT6AvahZ_a6uAuU3pyPpQVsSwDrdBBLdPxZ3N5q2Paa6rMnE13Z0YoXRcYFB_DdM-A2NXYUWjOhYj_Rv14niPGCs6zjGFCZF1przS6qqIhG03zzlAUu_XIwVjxyH_X2yByi_S4XqlWofjyal3QSOhtfUOjVAUvhlwISKU-6sgRQsPvVsl7XGqcJbGBID71PT1fZA0R0Ay83nTKhacY7laJW82Qc61OmOQuJ4ZwLpQ.Hf_umM8Pif2RAE5_RU6FVmsK41x_fkiwPzQfYU0cMEA&dib_tag=se&keywords=if+i+could+be+like+jennifer+taylor&qid=1709753103&sprefix=%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> to see the rating and the reviews you will see they are very favorable. I have twenty-nine good reviews through the years. However, no publisher would do it. So I had to go with KDP Amazon, which gave me a good deal and threw in a free cover. I couldn't resist that and paid a little bit to get it republished.<br /><br />We spent almost a year getting it done due to the fact that we couldn't decide on a cover. The one I had was not mine and I didn't like the morose girl on it. So we went back and forth and finally found the one I liked. Happy to say the editing of this book by Nancy Bell and Penny Ehrenkranz was so good there didn't need to be any changes at all to the original story. We did make it international print so now it has a Table of Contents and things have been moved a little bit.<br /><br />Now the book has been launched in person and online and it is available on not only Amazon but Barnes and Noble and other outlets including maybe your local bookstore. I am extremely happy that the book has risen from the ashes.<br /><br />As the years went by I wrote two sequels to it and it is now the first book of The Mill Valley High series. If you notice in the 2nd edition there is the first chapter of the second book in the series: Who Is Jennifer Taylor? which is not published yet but will be soon. In the meantime, I included that in the book and it is also available on Kindle Vella for free. I may be putting more chapters on Kindle Vella so check it out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClFZVQg2IqhPHf50szijbSdL0y6l1nZCcee65Yo6OtyUu1ySCEbWDIx8mZDqSrMecGRowcofEwY0fnKH95_UlDgIpPtx0Zr4L5sJqIGHGXlnZRY8G9RLf8SPG2unptQy7n3OwJL4k3SsghQGm9Q2a7UWG3a6WhGfAs5j-CUmaTHZnJuyRLIYJ0oV1IdU/s1360/BBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClFZVQg2IqhPHf50szijbSdL0y6l1nZCcee65Yo6OtyUu1ySCEbWDIx8mZDqSrMecGRowcofEwY0fnKH95_UlDgIpPtx0Zr4L5sJqIGHGXlnZRY8G9RLf8SPG2unptQy7n3OwJL4k3SsghQGm9Q2a7UWG3a6WhGfAs5j-CUmaTHZnJuyRLIYJ0oV1IdU/s320/BBook.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="body mediumText u-marginBottomSmall" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 12px;"><br /><br />The wonderful part about this is that If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor has been launched both online and in person. I know a publisher in India who launched my book for me even though we didn't have a physical book yet and it was launched locally by my local library, <a href="https://perrotlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Perrot Library</a> in Old Greenwich, CT. At that book launch I again had no copies of the book. They are being published on Ingram and so a delay in shipping created this problem. No worries. I read an excerpt from my phone. I didn't get to sign any books, though. My copies came the day afterward. I had to laugh. In addition, my book is available at the local bookstore, <a href="https://www.athenabooksog.com/">Athena Books</a> if you live in the area. You can also get it online at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Could-Like-Jennifer-Taylor/dp/1916954383/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MOBOP3R5G52D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bKxQpqcvlpECoZpzrzLFew.m0e0VYl8Lc4w95qe4y68YVlEGtjrYkeViHF5JAtMyIE&dib_tag=se&keywords=if+i+could+be+like+jennifer+taylor&qid=1709754902&s=books&sprefix=If+I+Could+Be+Like+%2Cstripbooks%2C106&sr=1-1">Barnes and Noble</a> or ask for it in their store. </div><div class="body mediumText u-marginBottomSmall" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 12px;">The ebook will be out very soon. Unlike the first time when it was published first in ebook, this time the ebook was done after the paperback. I am so happy it is back out there and hope that it will be read by the middle school audience. <br /> <br />Until the next time hope you are reading and writing and publishing if that's what you want to do. All publishing is cool now.</div><div class="body mediumText u-marginBottomSmall" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 12px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFoA8chrjQKBxOurjMB5DCm9jc31u-Gzypm0Ke5r_fraSd2YPHA9EF0BYOP8Y7k2txl_zTpwHEl_FUIXomFVl3-uUj5vEucd6S9we1-ZpPIaSX6igDELamNdBDNQXuOQGTKAUy26wgo-S2hBr8uMLgGPgGabzYbH0eGXESvN2tbEZxf4TMAqnn-C9KL8/s288/Barbara.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="288" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFoA8chrjQKBxOurjMB5DCm9jc31u-Gzypm0Ke5r_fraSd2YPHA9EF0BYOP8Y7k2txl_zTpwHEl_FUIXomFVl3-uUj5vEucd6S9we1-ZpPIaSX6igDELamNdBDNQXuOQGTKAUy26wgo-S2hBr8uMLgGPgGabzYbH0eGXESvN2tbEZxf4TMAqnn-C9KL8/s1600/Barbara.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="body mediumText u-marginBottomSmall" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 12px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbara-Ehrentreu/author/B00J0URGVM" target="_blank">Barbara Ehrentreu</a></div></div></div></div>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-26273522137681656292024-03-06T07:30:00.001-05:002024-03-06T07:30:00.131-05:00<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC8S4pvpDqKJpbqB1XEOosxfpege-8zryXbEB0KvIooHQybZ4c9Q9JSrcPaqqzXf9D8shD5UjWoag0iyP40ZBcEW4CxfI12aEo20s8SLgxvPsLL__v-oKYl2huhMJGvxC8mIFsB74g7IbyKMfnfZpR4rCaIgXT7uoytuOtlQ0PURWytBXxXf_ILXOYRU/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">JOIN US NOW!</a></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.</p><p>Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.</p><p>The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are <a href="http://kristinaseyes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Kristina Kelly</a>, <a href="https://miffieseideman.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Miffie Seideman</a>,<a href="http://jeanddavis.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> Jean Davis</a>, and <a href="http://middlepassages-lcs.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Liza @ Middle Passages!</a></p><p>Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </p><p>Remember, the question is optional!</p><p><strong>March Question:</strong></p><p>Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing? </p><p>The quick answer to this one is, no. But I entered the synopsis I’d written for my next book and ChatGPT kicked out a great analysis for each character. I think this will be useful when I do some posts about these characters. I wish I’d done it earlier so I could have referred to it while I was writing the book.</p><p>I haven’t played with it more than that. It bothers me that it’s so fast and without error. I’m not happy about being upstaged by something without a heart.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="Copy" target="_blank">Stop in at my new digs on Substack</a></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHr8GserBLuZAjBrlXXlF5MWizJpkP-v26hnsP-BI-LuGgDo0pnEqpuxulylnjUK7B89fZExLlnMh5aPB6kQr1MWy7iSrIUWxuHFbdE3cD1sCEtnvwa7p0wecGyz4erZIZJVLUSAcjALRMSKH8AZAxPQJrvL4qS-i30YXB5DnVs9HK4_jSynkqjFIhyw/s360/IWSG_pitch%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="360" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHr8GserBLuZAjBrlXXlF5MWizJpkP-v26hnsP-BI-LuGgDo0pnEqpuxulylnjUK7B89fZExLlnMh5aPB6kQr1MWy7iSrIUWxuHFbdE3cD1sCEtnvwa7p0wecGyz4erZIZJVLUSAcjALRMSKH8AZAxPQJrvL4qS-i30YXB5DnVs9HK4_jSynkqjFIhyw/s320/IWSG_pitch%202024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">DON'T FORGET TO SAVE THIS DATE FOR #IWSGPit.</p><p style="text-align: center;">MARCH 27</p>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-40863642863736325392024-02-26T05:00:00.025-05:002024-02-26T05:00:00.136-05:00Book Marketing Timeline<div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqY0tnHJTfs6zyJspBDzoqfGaa8XkbKSSfC2wzpAwXmraCqaHrxrIoPutegWfZJRO_1KxEQ_IY7ZKwwYCCiC96tgWelTjAYq7sREzYMOFYHX6gHtYF4SrBVH3Pv-jdr1PR5m6T5VKaTfaMN9qWJMc3c6uZdlhL3J-Ryb12tZf3b6CabVJY-sCakBAjUz2/s2522/book%20marketing%20timeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2522" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqY0tnHJTfs6zyJspBDzoqfGaa8XkbKSSfC2wzpAwXmraCqaHrxrIoPutegWfZJRO_1KxEQ_IY7ZKwwYCCiC96tgWelTjAYq7sREzYMOFYHX6gHtYF4SrBVH3Pv-jdr1PR5m6T5VKaTfaMN9qWJMc3c6uZdlhL3J-Ryb12tZf3b6CabVJY-sCakBAjUz2/s320/book%20marketing%20timeline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />By Rose Cushing of <a href="https://www.cushingpublishing.com/" target="_blank">Cushing Publishing</a></b><br />
<br />
You need to begin marketing your book before you begin writing it. <br />
<br />
As you are writing it<br />
<br />
While it is being edited<br />
<br />
Two weeks before release<br />
<br />
Release Date <br />
<br />
Post Release<br />
<br />
<br />
Who is your target audience for your book? <br />
<br />
<br />
What are your goals? <br />
<br />
<br />
How many books do you want to sell? Break down by quarters. <br />
<br />
<br />
What is your marketing budget? <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Branding </span></b><br /></div><div>
<br />
Branding is incredibly important if you plan to be a writer for the long haul. You must remember you are branding yourself you are the company. Not the particular book you are writing, but you, as an author. <br />
<br />
How would you define your brand? Give me 5 words to describe it. <br />
<br />
You will need an author bio. Have you written one? You should look at about 150 words max. <br />
<br />
How will you classify your book? What BISAC subject codes fit best? <br />
<br />
Do you have an author website? Things you will need to include: <br />
<br />
About the author, About the book, Blog, Contact, Homepage. Add pages as necessary. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Social Media Marketing</span></b><br /></div><div>
<br />
Choose two or three platforms that you know how to do well. <br />
<br />
Create your content which should be a blend of memes, post, tweets, photos relevant to your book. Remember 20% promotional ads and 80% content that would be of interest to your readers, but not directly promoting your book. People like to get to know you. Include personal things like hobbies, likes, trips, etc. <br />
<br />
Good to have a brainstorming session to create this type of content in advance. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Media Kit</span></b><br /></div><div>
<br />
This is one of the most important things for you to assemble. Media Kit should include: <br />
1) Contact info. <br />
2) Agent or Publicist name<br />
3) Bio and photo<br />
4) Promotional information such as FAQ, Media links, Press release, Graphics, ads, photos, things to grab readers attention<br />
5) Author website<br />
6) One Sheet<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Review Strategy</span></b><br /></div><div>
<br />
Set a goal for how many reviews you would like to have after the first week of release. You will also need pre-printing reviews for your book cover and promotion. Think of who you will send an advance copy to obtain these. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What’s Next</span></b><br /></div><div>
<br />
Keep your momentum going. <br />
<br />
Make sure you have your author’s page on Amazon up to date. <br />
<br />
Increase your presence in social media groups. <br />
<br />
Use your one sheet to call on local bookstores to set up your book tour. <br />
<br />
Make a list of social media influencers, podcasters, etc. and contact them about your book. When you get a podcast interview or article done be sure to put the links on your website and social media pages. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2RIGekS6fBzOTzzaqGTRi0rkSuNVqVHL6sLbShJVoWWHReI7FLhA5sxkn-rU5gfVeAWGNCbrE-iaxj7MIgLhcrE0fQkiKVELHTG9uv3AZnk97X9vaK9FEioYxNslxt20XXnnWTYG4OopsOsnHPL31lV0HIPETaYbuN4ARDV6JQ2KsEp285M83CzXYvW0/s750/Rose%20Cushing%20ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2RIGekS6fBzOTzzaqGTRi0rkSuNVqVHL6sLbShJVoWWHReI7FLhA5sxkn-rU5gfVeAWGNCbrE-iaxj7MIgLhcrE0fQkiKVELHTG9uv3AZnk97X9vaK9FEioYxNslxt20XXnnWTYG4OopsOsnHPL31lV0HIPETaYbuN4ARDV6JQ2KsEp285M83CzXYvW0/w200-h200/Rose%20Cushing%20ebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Rose Cushing is an author, podcast host, publisher, television producer and documentary film maker. She loves horses, writing, marketing, and gardening. In her contemporary women’s fiction Chasing the Wind she takes us on a journey of life changing proportions from being a small-town journalist to an heiress traveling the world. Her debut novel will be available in October 2023. She also established <a href="https://www.cushingpublishing.com/" target="_blank">Cushing Publishing,</a> a small traditional publishing house in 2023. <br />
</div>L. Diane Wolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-14351193753832323682024-02-19T00:30:00.046-05:002024-02-19T00:30:00.152-05:00I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgtQEwOim4YtJ-nWZe7bqO3hHG9vpHPlHojCHMb7b2cAHnuG6qG9isc3J-2YtOdtIopbq9CAuK3fDHUrsOVJt_r0tIhLD6wCiH_tSqmzPwwP2i61-hhIDF_AwwDRyN_2mlqc_2GYQl54IA7RRRE0MnfF-35Lj4vlb9lhandXkYJgub1FpUh63QZvqhNA8/s1518/BookBrushImage-2022-8-17-21-2455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgtQEwOim4YtJ-nWZe7bqO3hHG9vpHPlHojCHMb7b2cAHnuG6qG9isc3J-2YtOdtIopbq9CAuK3fDHUrsOVJt_r0tIhLD6wCiH_tSqmzPwwP2i61-hhIDF_AwwDRyN_2mlqc_2GYQl54IA7RRRE0MnfF-35Lj4vlb9lhandXkYJgub1FpUh63QZvqhNA8/w536-h320/BookBrushImage-2022-8-17-21-2455.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>Previously posted on a different blog as a guest blogger.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i>I began writing in prehistoric times, when dinosaurs roamed the earth and writers pecked on typewriters. I had no idea computers, software, hardware, printers and emails were waiting in the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One morning I woke to birds chirping and mammoths trumpeting and decided I wanted to be a writer. Except for a few well-received essays in high school and a handful of English courses in college, I had absolutely no background in writing. I didn't even know what a thesaurus was. I just knew I enjoyed creating stories.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The one thing I did have in my empty toolbox was a knowledge of books. I loved reading. I was a voracious reader. And while voracious may not work anymore to describe my reading, I still plow through several books a month. How can anyone not read? But I'm getting off topic. So armed with my ideas, I began to write. This was challenging on a couple of levels. Creating a story and getting it on paper. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today creativity is my major challenge. Then, getting words on paper.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Each typed page needed to be proofed before it left the typewriter and, unless you were a perfect typist which I wasn't, involved a lot of white paint--correction fluid--from a little bottled called<i> Wite.Out</i>. <i>Wite.Out</i> was a secretary's and writer's best friend. Yes, back in the dark ages, people were called secretaries instead of admin assists.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After typing out the manuscript, which usually involved several hundred pages, came the rewrites. Say you did a serious change on page ten that involved adding a scene or scenes that ran into extra pages. If you were lucky, you only had to retype that chapter then go back and use your trusty <i>Wite.Out</i> to change the following page numbers of the rest of your manuscript. Yup, the good ole days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Next step was finding a home for your story. Again, there was no computer to do a quick search of who wanted what. <i>The Writer's Market Guide</i> was, and probably still is for those who don't publish Indie, an invaluable tool. I spent hours combing through pages looking for the appropriate home for my genre.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After I drew up a list, I began to send out my stories. Remember this was still the ice age and typewriters and carbon paper still roamed the earth. There were no emails, no attaching three chapters and hitting the send button. Instead it was purchasing legal size envelopes, stuffing your letter and chapters inside and heading for the post office. Then waiting and waiting and waiting some more, for a response that sometimes never came. In that respect, things haven't changed have they? Oftentimes when you did get a response, it was a form rejection letter--something else that I imagine hasn't changed--and you started back at square one. Other times, the publishing company or agent wanted to see the entire manuscript. Then it was off to the supply store to buy a box to mail your manuscript in and have copies made. It was a fairly pricey and time-consuming process.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Researching was also more challenging than it is now. The information was there, but not at your fingertips. Instead or tapping a few keys and doing a search, you had to track down physical books, which usually meant hitting the library or a bookstore.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And there was no self-publishing unless you went vanity and paid for it.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28LotvehhINpheK5_5qJaSSRJUyx_tN6rKYyhizU_1LnOan5ivIKUObz52yO5Npo46ZzDbT6EEMHLRY4Ojxh_W2_jWl09-PKqXC0tO7j9b8znK_FjocEv6cDLGS-L1qAnDD0jGEfje07FN65oEABOI5KIhDqMDT-vrgbFi5IX08z3mLY1f-5PDnQGmwEb/s1518/BookBrushImage-2022-8-17-21-2317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28LotvehhINpheK5_5qJaSSRJUyx_tN6rKYyhizU_1LnOan5ivIKUObz52yO5Npo46ZzDbT6EEMHLRY4Ojxh_W2_jWl09-PKqXC0tO7j9b8znK_FjocEv6cDLGS-L1qAnDD0jGEfje07FN65oEABOI5KIhDqMDT-vrgbFi5IX08z3mLY1f-5PDnQGmwEb/w557-h320/BookBrushImage-2022-8-17-21-2317.jpg" width="557" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since those days I have added to my toolbox and am always on the lookout for new tools. I have a few that I'd like to share, which you may already know of and use.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For synonyms I use Power Thesaurus. <a href="https://www.powerthesaurus.org">https://www.powerthesaurus.org</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For covers: pixelstudio. <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/pixelstudio">https://www.fiverr.com/pixelstudio</a> I love this group They are so helpful and their prices are unbelievably reasonable</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For those of you who make your own covers, trailers and or memes: Book Brush. <a href="https://wwww.bookbrush.com">https://wwww.bookbrush.com</a> or Canva. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">AND</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For general information and support for most aspects of writing and publishing, IWSG.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, back to the beginning: If I'd known then what I know now, I would have probably waited a few years to start writing. 😀<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.powerthesaurus.org"><span style="background: white;"></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sandra</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjr_XSTajaVMeC2ZKUV6P-GQnS_ppNEG05qIKbUrcPFmpZ77GDITVsM2TswHIoJu0rtSVXeMrMgXsbvP4HB3gTaIionAKyZJ0m4rkGiZimo-1w23vvd2ScYRR0360dzDv5F4XC2pZTFvrhz_LAXMv9UqoUnwPiaPbePgSqFL7-9AMkg_oPHIOOnzgl97T/s1518/BookBrushImage-2023-10-3-21-2843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1518" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjr_XSTajaVMeC2ZKUV6P-GQnS_ppNEG05qIKbUrcPFmpZ77GDITVsM2TswHIoJu0rtSVXeMrMgXsbvP4HB3gTaIionAKyZJ0m4rkGiZimo-1w23vvd2ScYRR0360dzDv5F4XC2pZTFvrhz_LAXMv9UqoUnwPiaPbePgSqFL7-9AMkg_oPHIOOnzgl97T/s320/BookBrushImage-2023-10-3-21-2843.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222;">
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<span style="background: white;"></span></span></p><br />Sandra Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03814573408898140885noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-15517573638719321442024-02-12T05:00:00.020-05:002024-02-12T05:00:00.133-05:00Using Macros in Your Writing Process<p> <span lang="EN"><b>A more efficient way to write and edit - by Lynda Dietz</b></span></p><p><span lang="EN"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8tccgzB-Y4maUK746F7-cY0FTQq3wLU9kEsP5Wy1p2cKkiHc_wRDe2e_-wPq1qoLzJewS-jkE2QGgwgxcaYuZlsWa8P7OWy5Cdt_h1Ek-HZG1qOQ1qMSrk-LiDgG-Vvh5Na8nT7zMS1PX4lsJSV5GHs5l_TeiAyW5zTRq8T3eZLfylO3Nyg00miwYGE/s624/Picture1%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8tccgzB-Y4maUK746F7-cY0FTQq3wLU9kEsP5Wy1p2cKkiHc_wRDe2e_-wPq1qoLzJewS-jkE2QGgwgxcaYuZlsWa8P7OWy5Cdt_h1Ek-HZG1qOQ1qMSrk-LiDgG-Vvh5Na8nT7zMS1PX4lsJSV5GHs5l_TeiAyW5zTRq8T3eZLfylO3Nyg00miwYGE/w640-h426/Picture1%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div> <br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">For every person who uses macros, there are
probably at least two who have never heard of them or who think they’re too
complicated—and therefore scary—to bother with. But have no fear! There are a
good number of them out there, ready to install and use in Microsoft Word, that
can help your writing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<h2><a name="_1xc33r7okg"></a><span lang="EN">What is a macro? </span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">A macro is simply a string of computer
commands that allows you to run a set of tasks easily and automatically. You
can write your own, or you can install macros that have been written by someone
who loves doing that kind of stuff.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">As a fiction editor, I receive manuscripts
that range from neatly formatted to mildly chaotic, and starting with a level
playing field can make all the difference in the world. The distraction of
having to stop reading every few minutes to change a random straight quote to a
curly quote, or something equally tedious, can really slow down progress and
break my train of thought.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<h2><a name="_xiwm50o5q1z2"></a><span lang="EN">Who can use macros?</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Many book editors use macros to streamline the
editing process, often as a “clean sweep” type of tidying before getting down
to the nitty gritty of reading through a project. Others use them at the end of
a writing session to clean up any lingering errors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Writers can use macros too! They can be a
helpful tool for writers of all types at any stage of writing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">If you’d like to start off with some simple
macros you can get for free, Paul Beverley is the guy to go to. He has written
hundreds of macros that are easy to use for writers in all fields, and not only
does he make them all available for free—really free, not even a “sign up for
my mailing list to get these”—he also provides tutorials on YouTube and in the
macro downloads.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Wisely, Paul suggests starting slowly to get
used to using the ones you need most. In his downloadable (and regularly
updated) book, <a href="http://www.archivepub.co.uk/book.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Macros for Editors</span></a>, he breaks down the
favorite macros based on user feedback, work type, and more. He also provides a
“macro menu” that lists the macros by function, and also dates the newer
macros, saying “the chances are that the more recent macros are (a) better
programmed and (b) likely to be more useful.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<h2><a name="_kyp2zxgakdwj"></a><span lang="EN">My most-used macros</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">As you’d expect, I have a handful of macros
I’d rather not live without. As per Paul Beverley’s advice, I installed only
one at a time, getting used to using each before installing another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I’ve programmed most of my macros with the
keys shift + alt + [letter] because I don’t tend to use the shift + alt combo
for other things, and they’re often not assigned already on the keyboard.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">My favorites are DocAlyse, ProperNounAlyse,
MerriamFetch, SwapWord, CatchPhrase, and WordPairAlyse. I probably should say
“my favorites so far,” since I plan to install more over time. If you’d like to
find out more about what these six do and how I use them, visit my blog post “<a href="https://easyreaderediting.com/blog/using-macro"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Using
Macros in Your Writing Process</span></a>” for the full explanation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<h2><a name="_9yhh0tgfpq5y"></a><span lang="EN">Benefits of using macros</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">If you’re a writer, one of the best benefits
of using macros is that you’ll be able to clean up your document really well
before hiring an editor. A cleaner manuscript can often mean a difference in
editing costs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Macros
can ensure consistency</span></b><span lang="EN"> when styling headers, spelling
names, or formatting tables, to name a few applications. Macros don’t get
fatigued when reading through a document, so you’re not as likely to miss
anything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Macros
can help prevent repetitive use injuries</span></b><span lang="EN"> by reducing
the number of keystrokes needed for certain tasks. A few strokes may seem like
no big deal, but they add up. Consider the macro EmDashUnspaced, which removes
punctuation, adds an unspaced em dash and lowercases the next character. A two-
or three-key combo to use the macro is far preferable to all that typing and
removing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Macros
can help you speed through tedious tasks</span></b><span lang="EN">. There comes
a point in every writer or editor’s life when the larger, hour-saving
improvements have been made, and what remains are smaller improvements that may
save seconds or minutes. But again, it all adds up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Most of Paul Beverley’s macros provide a
report in a separate document, so you don’t have to go through your entire doc
to find highlighted items. You can examine only the ones you need to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">You can find the Macro Menu, which lists all
the macros Paul Beverley has included in his macro book (so far), along with a
description of what they do, <a href="https://www.wordmacrotools.com/pdfs/08_Macro_Menu__complete_macro_tool_list.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc;">right here</span></a>. The menu is invaluable for when
you’re starting out, listing macros by function and type.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Whether the macro takes care of something
simple or complex, they’re well worth exploring. Find one you like, try it out,
and I can almost guarantee you’ll go looking for another one that suits your
needs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQOCE7Sfamn0vOXSlwnEvuueJ0sSz2FiFRvAVVd3cOxbzZKSbYf-EtWIygsURiLCw1eyv5BfS6gEY8oYclg7BFL4IkcT6NzGilCNOdBCDTNT2dZWJHdrJ11ns3G_aJvyQYg5u1E8D6SdRa8GnpQk46ExKm-BztGnXhXKKT2Nzt7eFBVebtQEs-YhQBZQ/s1000/Lynda_head_faves%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQOCE7Sfamn0vOXSlwnEvuueJ0sSz2FiFRvAVVd3cOxbzZKSbYf-EtWIygsURiLCw1eyv5BfS6gEY8oYclg7BFL4IkcT6NzGilCNOdBCDTNT2dZWJHdrJ11ns3G_aJvyQYg5u1E8D6SdRa8GnpQk46ExKm-BztGnXhXKKT2Nzt7eFBVebtQEs-YhQBZQ/w200-h200/Lynda_head_faves%20copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Lynda has never lost her fascination with the written word, from her earliest
years of reading the back of the cereal box at the breakfast table to reading
manuscripts of up and coming authors. Book hangovers are a regular occurrence
with no regrets. She copyedits in a variety of genres, both in fiction and
creative nonfiction. She’s had a blog since 2013, where she encourages writers
with advice and a healthy dose of silliness. She works with four assistants:
her husband (The Bringer of Coffee), and three cats who are mostly worthless
but very, very adorable.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<b>Blog:</b><br />
ERE Blog <a href="http://easyreaderediting.com/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">easyreaderediting.com/blog</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>Website</b>:<br />
<a href="http://easyreaderediting.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">easyreaderediting.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>Instagram:</b><br />
@easyreaderediting<br />
<br />
<b>Medium:</b><br />
<a href="https://medium.com/@lyndadietz4" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">https://medium.com/@lyndadietz4</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>Pinterest:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lyndadietz4/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.pinterest.com/lyndadietz4/</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-3732229168462220812024-02-07T05:00:00.021-05:002024-02-07T05:00:00.135-05:00The Insecure Writer's Support Group Day and New #IWSGPit Date<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZaLPGKsijES4aPjHN3BdQCO3W1wEAqEadnJtFWKFDMdPRsgq6geR5mAGuwT4acQ0tQUrKR7HLxTATYjbYWIOGEug4EpwMnAQUs2exlv-B7U2dPge-d8A92YEAoUeeNgq5m-N9vfO33tLU1rLMrNZWkpkbNClquTCAm6n9N085xXqNbCNr0xfs1Qj0HN9/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZaLPGKsijES4aPjHN3BdQCO3W1wEAqEadnJtFWKFDMdPRsgq6geR5mAGuwT4acQ0tQUrKR7HLxTATYjbYWIOGEug4EpwMnAQUs2exlv-B7U2dPge-d8A92YEAoUeeNgq5m-N9vfO33tLU1rLMrNZWkpkbNClquTCAm6n9N085xXqNbCNr0xfs1Qj0HN9/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />It’s time for another group posting of th<b>e </b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"><b>Insecure Writer’s Support Group</b>!</a> Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.<br />
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The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are <b><a href="https://sewhitebooks.com/" target="_blank">SE White,</a> <a href="https://janetalcorn.com/" target="_blank">Janet Alcorn,</a> <a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees,</a></b> and <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><b>Cathrina Constantine!</b></a><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">February 7 question:</span></b> What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books? <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">#IWSGPit Twitter Party</span></b><br /></div><div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil11XPgL_1i3UDLCNThvEyRqs56_xbMnWSObW-W12umPoxR_uulTKqUOVREMPq5S8y9AvY7x5X8T5Dg5bSrwSPdyQ26bqJzlB_acT0ktdfeobhDg1H-9liDYCqnx44C0h8Vi0WnMa8Fkk5Xwi6MaogzS_i4EdFLqDwmnnGoyngKie9tatPWoKZ_D-PvbiV/s360/IWSG_pitch%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="360" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil11XPgL_1i3UDLCNThvEyRqs56_xbMnWSObW-W12umPoxR_uulTKqUOVREMPq5S8y9AvY7x5X8T5Dg5bSrwSPdyQ26bqJzlB_acT0ktdfeobhDg1H-9liDYCqnx44C0h8Vi0WnMa8Fkk5Xwi6MaogzS_i4EdFLqDwmnnGoyngKie9tatPWoKZ_D-PvbiV/s320/IWSG_pitch%202024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next #IWSGPit will be March 27, 2024. <br />
10:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. <br />
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Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Tweet your pitch using #IWSGPit. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query. <br />
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Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents. <br />
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For hashtags and guidelines, visit our <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html" target="_blank">#IWSGPit page.</a></b><br />
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Do authors really find agents and publishers through a Twitter pitch party? Yes they do! <a href="" target="_blank">Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</a> has found FIVE authors from this event, including one of our best sellers, <a href="https://www.damienlarkinbooks.com/" target="_blank">Damien Larkin.</a><br />
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So, get your pitches ready for March! <br />
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What turns you off when visiting an author’s site? Will you be participating in #IWSGPit? Have you had success with a Twitter pitch party? <br /></div><div>
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</div>L. Diane Wolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-79506753920057728382024-01-22T07:30:00.016-05:002024-01-22T07:30:00.125-05:00The Most Common Reasons a Book Gets Negative Reviews <p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">We're pleased to welcome </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Andrea Moran, </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Book Reviewer & Blogger at Kirkus Reviews. Be sure to see the special offer by Kirkus for the IWSG audience at the end of this post. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqgHPNerZRlndzfdKd9e27S7gsNatlXkWt_GK7kVPdaZBu4GbhFjdU_ii1mnTPv3qEyN0GD5FAKYHkGXqM9UHzpPOU3CLmdRUTItaKEiZPDrmJNuSkKVauzIXhDng0kW1PmV9QBeFd0a9Eoiefhihyphenhyphen1WrIvBDxT69Rjeb7ZQlFuuXTM0bWf7OKdSNnQ0/s1835/KIRKUS%20REVIEWS%20LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="1835" height="30" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqgHPNerZRlndzfdKd9e27S7gsNatlXkWt_GK7kVPdaZBu4GbhFjdU_ii1mnTPv3qEyN0GD5FAKYHkGXqM9UHzpPOU3CLmdRUTItaKEiZPDrmJNuSkKVauzIXhDng0kW1PmV9QBeFd0a9Eoiefhihyphenhyphen1WrIvBDxT69Rjeb7ZQlFuuXTM0bWf7OKdSNnQ0/s320/KIRKUS%20REVIEWS%20LOGO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Bravely putting a book out into the world is difficult enough without fearing a slew of unfavorable reviews. While you can’t please everyone who picks up your book, there are reasons many readers may have a negative reaction—and the good news is that most of those reasons are avoidable. Here are a few of the most common ones to consider when you’re writing and editing a draft.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. The book is categorized in the wrong genre.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Readers don’t like to feel as though they have been tricked. So when a particular book is marketed as one thing but in reality is something completely different, there is probably going to be backlash.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is particularly useful to keep in mind when choosing your book cover and other promotional blurbs. After all, you want to ensure that a gut-wrenching character study doesn’t have the color palette of a romance, or that a book that is 99 percent science fiction doesn’t have back cover text emphasizing a hard-boiled detective. Despite the common wisdom to the contrary, many people <i>do</i> judge a book by its cover—and are more than willing to share a bad review based on that judgment.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. The main characters are unlikable.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While you can develop a protagonist who possesses a few character traits that are less than stellar, sometimes characters can be <i>too</i> unlikable. Obviously no one is perfect, but readers will have a hard time relating to (never mind rooting for) someone who is so full of flaws and negative traits that their common humanity gets lost. So go ahead, make some people in your central cast of characters delightfully marred—just don’t forget to imbue them with an occasional redeeming quality.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. The ending is too abrupt.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No one likes reading a book that’s cut off before a proper ending. You may alienate readers who don’t like investing time in a book that never really ends or frustrate them with an ending that answers only some of the questions they have.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even if this is the first book in a series, leaving it on an all-out cliffhanger is a risky move, and readers may refuse to invest more time reading the next book. It’s perfectly fine to leave some ambiguity, but there should be enough resolution to the main storyline that readers don’t feel slighted—or else they’re likely to air their grievances via a bad review.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4. The book hasn’t been edited well (or at all).</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nothing can derail a good book faster than lots of errors. Typos, punctuation mistakes, inconsistent formatting—these can leave a bad taste in readers’ mouths. Errors tend to distract readers from the main message of the book. This means all your hard work developing characters and a plot will likely be overshadowed if readers are continually pulled out of the story by a set of missing quotation marks or a misspelled word. Luckily, this is one issue that is easily avoided by hiring a qualified editor.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5. The stylistic choices are off-putting.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Everyone’s taste is different, but going for a less popular choice can sometimes backfire. The use of second-person narration—“You walk down the hallway,” for example—is rarely used in novels, which means it’s a bold and perhaps not highly advisable option when choosing your book’s point of view.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Similarly, readers tend to find choices like the excessive use of ellipses more annoying than illuminating. And if you’re going to use creative line spacing or other alternative formatting, make sure there’s a good reason for doing so. (If you need an example of how to do it well, look no further than <i>House of Leaves</i> by Mark Z. Danielewski.) Readers are likely to leave a bad review if they feel the style is too out there or makes the book confusing—of course, whether that’s a fair assessment is another matter entirely.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6. The characters are inconsistent.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Readers become invested in a story’s characters, and that’s a good thing! But they can’t get invested when characteristics change from one chapter to the next. If someone’s whole personality revolves around a particular trait and that trait is forgotten about or betrayed simply for the sake of moving the plot in a different direction or throwing in a surprise twist, you are going to have some pretty annoyed readers. Characters are supposed to be complex, nuanced, and layered. They shouldn’t go against previously established trait markers that helped make them who they were to begin with.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7. The ending is unsatisfying.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Often, the hardest part of writing a story is nailing the ending. We’ve all read at least one book that was humming right along until the final act that, instead of sticking the landing, turned into one giant clunker. Readers who are left feeling unsatisfied with how the situation resolves (or doesn’t resolve) will likely feel motivated to leave a bad review that vents their frustration.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This doesn’t mean you can’t have an ending that is sad or unexpected or even a little ambiguous (but see number three!). It just means that the ending should fit the tone and lesson of the book as a whole. A romance novel pretty much requires a happy ending, for example, while a gritty character study should offer some semblance of personal growth at its conclusion—even if that conclusion isn’t necessarily a joyous one for all involved.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><i style="font-size: large;"><br /></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><i style="font-size: large;">Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on </i><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamoran84" style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="color: blue;"><i>LinkedIn</i></span></a><i style="font-size: large;">.</i></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Special Offer by Kirkus</span></h2><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">$50-off-a-review discount links for your audience as well:</p><p class="p2" style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: #d2910f;">Standard Review <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-reviews/purchase/insecure-writers-support-group/"><span class="s2" style="color: blue;">https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-reviews/purchase/insecure-writers-support-group/</span></a> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: #d2910f;">Expanded Review: <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-reviews/purchase/insecure-writers-support-group-1/"><span class="s2" style="color: blue;">https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-reviews/purchase/insecure-writers-support-group-1/</span></a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><br /></p>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-27202055963326654202024-01-15T05:00:00.011-05:002024-01-15T05:00:00.126-05:00Setting Writing Goals – Keeping it Simple<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU7yCMewpG3xrxiP2lmeCMITSh4Bellvh4T6LNm_BTKjelqnvw1ne1jTGCHIG4aJeB7HNsY_cRpXdJNhiSnHK3pK7iVEAghVdC_W69x70e_eJ2ZF-hGM5ksBUeJkpAqHJdBOjL0xXWxQEcPcOSSojXzp89QiXTsrTgbYPWT1F-iB485tQJKQOMqSgSnA/s1280/arm-1284248_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU7yCMewpG3xrxiP2lmeCMITSh4Bellvh4T6LNm_BTKjelqnvw1ne1jTGCHIG4aJeB7HNsY_cRpXdJNhiSnHK3pK7iVEAghVdC_W69x70e_eJ2ZF-hGM5ksBUeJkpAqHJdBOjL0xXWxQEcPcOSSojXzp89QiXTsrTgbYPWT1F-iB485tQJKQOMqSgSnA/s320/arm-1284248_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/arm-hand-write-planner-planning-1284248/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a><br /></div><div>
<br />
The new year is a chance to start anew. It’s when people make resolutions. Many people set goals. So, today we are going to discuss writing goals. <br />
<br />
You may have already set yours. That’s awesome. If not, it’s never too late (and certainly doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the year) to set some good goals for your writing. And I’ll keep it simple for you! <br />
<br />
There are a lot of different types of goals that pertain to writing: <br />
<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
Improvement – honing your craft and research</li><li>
Writing – what you want to achieve as a writer</li><li>
Publication – when and how</li><li>
Marketing – your strategy and plans</li></ul>
<br />
Now, when setting these goals, you have to consider these particulars: <br />
<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
How much time can you devote to writing and all it involves? </li><li>
Are the goals specific? Don’t be vague—get into the details. </li><li>
Are the goals realistic? If not they will only cause frustration. </li><li>
Have you set little goals that lead up to a big goal? </li><li>
Are the goals your own or are you trying to keep pace with someone else? </li><li>
Have you given your goals deadlines? No deadline, no finish! </li><li>
Are you really committed to these goals? </li></ul>
<br />
Once you’ve set goals and honed the specifics, there are a few other items you need to take into account: <br />
<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
Distractions – sometimes they are out of your control and sometimes you can set goals to eliminate them</li><li>
Rewards – when a goal is achieved, celebrate and reward yourself</li><li>
Disappointments – sometimes a goal is missed, but it’s not the end of the world—just reset the goal and don’t beat yourself up</li></ul>
<br />
As promised, simple! Setting writing goals isn’t brain surgery, but they have to come from both the heart and the brain. You need passion but you also need common sense. <br />
<br />
So, set goals in those areas, consider those particulars, and take into account those final items. And believe you can achieve them. <br />
<br />
After all, you’re the creator of worlds, wielder of the mighty pen—you can make anything happen! <br />
<br />
What specific goals will you be setting this year? <br />
<br />
</div>Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-84757695531306786132024-01-08T05:00:00.023-05:002024-01-08T05:00:00.127-05:00Conquering Writer Doubt<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6V8YSStHbQFoFpjoccoPe2fk6tEELS-t7jkRBYfJdt8s6qFR08yJHfKMYgMNNTeHJPu75_ik5SWEGPixe8GoALL7FaL9NaSWUaAdaG-4lWHfv2q8OTgKN2CX3v1ihDC5TTbWileXFFo-L_nLU6_nQWLpLVz1KThT31L0JoFxOYdCngU8egXQhfSSo_4/s930/ISWG%20guest%20post.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="930" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6V8YSStHbQFoFpjoccoPe2fk6tEELS-t7jkRBYfJdt8s6qFR08yJHfKMYgMNNTeHJPu75_ik5SWEGPixe8GoALL7FaL9NaSWUaAdaG-4lWHfv2q8OTgKN2CX3v1ihDC5TTbWileXFFo-L_nLU6_nQWLpLVz1KThT31L0JoFxOYdCngU8egXQhfSSo_4/s320/ISWG%20guest%20post.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We’re writers. We have an innate fear of criticism, a desire
for validation, and we tend to compare ourselves and our work to others. It's a
battle with the self, constantly measuring our worth against an ever-shifting
standard.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yet, within this turmoil, there's a strange kind of beauty.
It's in the struggle, the vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of
improvement that the true essence of a writer's journey emerges—a quest to
silence the inner critic, to discover one's unique voice, and to forge ahead,
one word at a time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let's get one thing straight: those insecurities, that
nagging self-doubt? They're not the adversaries we often perceive them to be. They’re
there for a reason. They're the part of us that drives us to refine our craft,
scrutinize our work, and aim for nothing short of excellence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Conquering the relentless sense of doubt that plagues a
writer's mind is a lifelong endeavor, but it's a journey worth embarking upon. You
are not alone in this struggle. Every writer—from the greatest literary icons
to those just starting—has faced moments of insecurity and <a href="https://atmospherepress.com/author-mindset-overcoming-doubt-and-imposter-syndrome/">imposter
syndrome</a>. It's an integral part of the creative process, a shadow that
often accompanies the light of inspiration.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaKjsVRpyb3y7QrM3tTjb9GJcZmd3GToN0aoe1WDK26Cp6JhrazLZ3SK1y-wVKfVAgOXL8r_NxUR4qVU_cNJTFG9h-6l8N2KjmelTpcrGtsiXry2bu6wpukDqx9Qs-B4f0SLXqZ8a_sPZC-D1OuZg4DkxLwJh0B6aTk87r6njyaPG5Z76Cv3Ty3e6rtM/s930/imposter%20syndrome.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="930" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaKjsVRpyb3y7QrM3tTjb9GJcZmd3GToN0aoe1WDK26Cp6JhrazLZ3SK1y-wVKfVAgOXL8r_NxUR4qVU_cNJTFG9h-6l8N2KjmelTpcrGtsiXry2bu6wpukDqx9Qs-B4f0SLXqZ8a_sPZC-D1OuZg4DkxLwJh0B6aTk87r6njyaPG5Z76Cv3Ty3e6rtM/s320/imposter%20syndrome.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Remember, writing is a craft that can always be honed and
improved. Write poorly—just keep writing. Embrace your failures as
opportunities for growth. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate every step
forward, no matter how incremental. Writing is a journey of self-discovery and
self-expression, and with each sentence you craft, you become a better writer.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The world of book publishing has evolved, and the road to
becoming a published author is no longer a one-size-fits-all journey.
Traditional publishing, once the revered pinnacle of literary accomplishment,
has become a fiercely competitive arena. Rejections and waiting periods can
make us question our abilities (and sanity). Self-publishing offers creative
freedom and the chance to present your work directly to the world, but it's not
without challenges, and shadows of doubt are often cast on the perceived quality
of self-published works. And then there's <a href="https://atmospherepress.com/what-is-hybrid-publishing/">hybrid publishing</a>,
sitting in the middle ground, combining the best of both worlds. Hybrid
publishers like <a href="https://atmospherepress.com/book-publishers-in-texas/">Atmosphere
Press</a> provide structure and professional support while granting you almost
total creative control. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amidst this evolving landscape of publishing options, I want
you to remember that neither your insecurities nor the nuances of the
publishing world are roadblocks; they're <i>motivators</i>. They're the
catalyst for countless revisions, sleepless nights, and the unyielding pursuit
of perfection. The doubt that arises from navigating these choices can serve as
a driving force, pushing you to refine your craft. Embrace this uncertainty as
a source of inspiration, knowing that it's part of the journey toward becoming
a resilient and confident writer. In the end, no matter the path you choose,
your unique voice and dedication to your craft will shine through, proving that
doubt can be the stepping stone to success.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, conquering doubt as a writer requires
self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and understand that the path to becoming a
confident writer is paved with insecurity and uncertainty. It's a process, and
the more you persist and persevere, the more you'll see your doubts gradually
recede. In time, you'll find what once held you back will be overshadowed by
the pride and satisfaction of creating something truly your own.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your voice, your story, and your unique perspective deserve
to be shared with the world. So keep writing, keep growing, and—above all—keep
believing in yourself!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://atmospherepress.com/call-for-submissions/">Submit
your manuscript to Atmosphere Press</a><a href="https://atmospherepress.com/call-for-submissions/"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghV2FqUrLNNnIENV-yBokjHQksUqGf-9NPWe8O0E6J9sCeBqqowOFA6EmwNfSgEoBi0-8byDMEI0zwPwUTv2o7rov_AwTUbj1Y6i2TqlepJIxaLJAZ8xHnxLqCNZyPft7v3pFGcA2CMt0Pd-cQrAh9Z9-MzzLOvERWABnyaUc9MX0I5u6adrr4n75uTdA/s4368/Atmosphere%20Press%20png.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="4368" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghV2FqUrLNNnIENV-yBokjHQksUqGf-9NPWe8O0E6J9sCeBqqowOFA6EmwNfSgEoBi0-8byDMEI0zwPwUTv2o7rov_AwTUbj1Y6i2TqlepJIxaLJAZ8xHnxLqCNZyPft7v3pFGcA2CMt0Pd-cQrAh9Z9-MzzLOvERWABnyaUc9MX0I5u6adrr4n75uTdA/s320/Atmosphere%20Press%20png.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UCIgvnD4WgSPYFIpgjYcKmPkVzlLRdFDea0JdeJ6o-yIqp8c_nsrsknZKf1hA4IeBOlqGbdP2JvsjPzsVs36lU2583CHzMpRQ6bSJ8VE0M71xxKK8i3PY4-fkR5Gi0QDyA6r9ISEdLbn4mqEnpwdjt3pTL0o8FCzxQrKAq0HCpLDYnsBY03NNSNU1ZM/s828/EKB%20author%20photo%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="828" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UCIgvnD4WgSPYFIpgjYcKmPkVzlLRdFDea0JdeJ6o-yIqp8c_nsrsknZKf1hA4IeBOlqGbdP2JvsjPzsVs36lU2583CHzMpRQ6bSJ8VE0M71xxKK8i3PY4-fkR5Gi0QDyA6r9ISEdLbn4mqEnpwdjt3pTL0o8FCzxQrKAq0HCpLDYnsBY03NNSNU1ZM/w200-h200/EKB%20author%20photo%201.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif"><br />Erin K.
Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at </span><a href="atmospherepress.com"><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif">Atmosphere Press</span></a><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif">, is a born-and-raised Southerner
currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo.
She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she
works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books
published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories...or
at least tries to. </span><a href="https://t.sidekickopen52.com/Ctc/OQ+23284/cY7W-04/Jl22-6qcW7lCdLW6lZ3pWW55zgQt7mnPScW2pgzHP6lTG8rW4_Vpq14Y-z_pMzHHf0RPFKcW2y02SQ1FL-SHW7YyCcq1gn4l8VkGWNv20R1rZN2N0jJ-sdSq8W4YlNcx6BdR40W5qHm4p1K52cyW6yH0G43h-r60VpPbrz6FvCD4W3Nw_Y548nWhfW5v1qvV2lWlysW3DvX4-15WPFCN2FnJTpbY5f3W8j_0jx1WryFMN9hynGjLF1tjM_t7MTrrd2lW3_55tx95CHkCW568ygc4DFKpjW55JncT2x0hmVW1-_4h17sSkxgW6JqcfN1YrHhnf1PWb2R04" target="_blank"><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc;">The
Bear & the Rose</span></a><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif"> is
her debut novel.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-41486386933789861752024-01-03T05:00:00.000-05:002024-01-03T05:00:00.125-05:00Happy New Number and IWSG Day!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHTbrTogIJOYrYXtzY0N3-8XjGM24wsMFpAsu7jcnuvFZ5P2It-b1jn90DrXtbaAA3DejHcNrfJ1oLJSxrWtjwVk9Wr5jlHBH3yjO8E2BXzE9fVqjeaoEVVm0mg74c3kNvK7rB-eh3VoUbFwAQPKtHjT33zLTPAsU8Pgp1Fa5Q6BGZxrlzsuSkShSrLpH/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHTbrTogIJOYrYXtzY0N3-8XjGM24wsMFpAsu7jcnuvFZ5P2It-b1jn90DrXtbaAA3DejHcNrfJ1oLJSxrWtjwVk9Wr5jlHBH3yjO8E2BXzE9fVqjeaoEVVm0mg74c3kNvK7rB-eh3VoUbFwAQPKtHjT33zLTPAsU8Pgp1Fa5Q6BGZxrlzsuSkShSrLpH/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The awesome co-hosts for the January 3rd posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog/" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a>, <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diedre Knight</a>, and <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre!</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember, the question is optional!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>January 3 question: </i></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy new number day, IWSG community. Did you all make those resolution thingys that you aren't going to keep anyway? At least 99.99% of people don't. And why? Because all the day is is a new number at the end of the year. There is nothing magic about a new number. If you didn't start the so-called resolution three months ago then guess what? The new number won't help you. You want to do something then do it. Don't wait for a day. You may actually get it done then. End of my ten cents worth. What was the question again? Right. Bookbub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Umm...First I think I'd have to sign in and actually use it to follow anyone. I didn't even know you could follow back readers. Shows how much I use that, huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully everyone gets a book out and/or has some great adventures and/or makes some great memories in 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>(Even if nothing is new but the number)</b></div>Pat Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07745293224202430152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-63407684911585324972023-12-18T16:05:00.007-05:002023-12-18T16:18:23.256-05:00Happy Holidays From IWSG<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVrmD0czR9OcoCoNlCPDhfZUZZhlSI0K-xrCMpcyXKr1fiuIRCrAFIvBYHLX2RMvqZ-0f-kVbSsMQBMWRLmpBMZqus-O3Lhiotzs2LjsyVBJ4JgGYaazRRSQ8UZVO35RRUEytv9F0me8nILg1HI8NrQqhiZHxdmjhiK6KvgUpVqtUfaQx6SALDYA0f3wd/s1080/Quote%20Christmas%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVrmD0czR9OcoCoNlCPDhfZUZZhlSI0K-xrCMpcyXKr1fiuIRCrAFIvBYHLX2RMvqZ-0f-kVbSsMQBMWRLmpBMZqus-O3Lhiotzs2LjsyVBJ4JgGYaazRRSQ8UZVO35RRUEytv9F0me8nILg1HI8NrQqhiZHxdmjhiK6KvgUpVqtUfaQx6SALDYA0f3wd/w400-h400/Quote%20Christmas%202023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 20pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 20pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">HAPPY HOLIDAYS and NEW YEAR</span></h1><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">From the Insecure Writer's Support Group</span></h2><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-107e59e6-7fff-55f9-7b5c-8b70b8ffdfb0"></span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 16pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #434343; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(We'll be back for IWSG Day on January 3rd.)</span></h3><div><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #434343; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It has been awhile since I have celebrated Christmas, as all my family has passed, and I have just a few cousins all out of state from where I live. </span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you are spending the holidays alone. Count your blessing because they are are there if you look for them. </span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Journal all the reasons you are grateful. Read that book you have been dying to read, or spend time writing on your novel. </span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Call a friend even if you cannot go to them, chat with them on the phone or zoom. And order a your favorite food for delivery or groceries and fix it yourself. </span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And if you are blessed to be able to celebrate big with your family, remember the SHUTINS that can't get out, call them or go by to visit. Also remember to tell and show your loved one how much they mean to you. </span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I will leave you with my favorite quote of all time. I have tried to live by these words from the first time I ever saw this movie. What a way to be remembered--handing out hope to others, without hope we are nothing, with hope we can achieve anything. Life is built on hope. One step at time, one day at a time, and the joy of believing. (One of the most quotable movies of all time IMO :) )</span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></div><h1 class="BaseWrap-sc-gjQpdd BaseText-ewhhUZ ContentHeaderHed-NCyCC iUEiRd jPOabC BjYFU" data-testid="ContentHeaderHed" style="--type-token: consumptionEditorial.hed-standard; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: unset; font-family: GQSans, helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-size: 52px; grid-column: 3 / span 8; line-break: auto; line-height: 1.07692em; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: normal; scroll-behavior: auto; text-align: center; transition-duration: 0.2s; transition-property: color, background, text-shadow; transition-timing-function: ease-in-out;"><span style="color: #121212;">"You have a gift, Postman. </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">You give out hope like it was candy in your pocket.</span>"</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="You have a gift, Postman. You give out hope like it was candy in your pocket." target="_blank">The best quotable move ever: The Postman starring Kevin Costner</a></div>Juneta keyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815758043024184034noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-51446722626661325162023-12-11T07:30:00.001-05:002023-12-11T07:30:00.261-05:00Keeping the Idea Fires Burning by Mary Kole<p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Creativity can be fickle, coming and going (and not always when and how we want it to). This can trip up many a well-meaning writer, especially when we expected our creativity to serve us with an upcoming deadline, a new idea, or a project that we can’t seem to regain our passion for but that we <i>should</i> finish.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While I can validate this experience, as a creative, and I know that many writers feel at the mercy of their “muse,” you might be surprised to hear that I don’t believe in personifying creativity itself (as a “fickle mistress” or any of the other garbage you’ll hear bandied about), and I certainly don’t subscribe to the idea of writer’s block.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>The Real Issues Behind Dimming Enthusiasm</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There are, as I see it, a few issues that really contribute to a writer’s sense of “stuckness.” I’ll unpack them here:</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Desire to quit.</b> Not knowing whether or not you want to continue writing in the first place is obviously a big obstacle to continuing to write. If you don’t honestly think that you have it in you to keep going, that feeling is worth listening to. Of course, human nature being what it is, sometimes we are tempted to quit when the going gets tough. You need to really interrogate yourself and your motives to see if you’re being reactionary or defensive because of some of the below factors, or if you really want to quit writing. You should also know that no decision is binding. You can always come back—nobody is stopping you from leaving, and nobody is stopping you from returning. (If you really do believe that someone external is stopping you from either writing or going back to your writing habit, then you need to do some deeper introspection about why you’d let another person, no matter how close to you, separate you from your life’s creative hobby or calling.) You can also try a different type of writing in the meantime, as you regain or grieve and let go of your current incarnation as a writer. If you’ve been beating your head against the brick wall of a novel for ten years, maybe you could work on some short stories or poems. Even journal entries. Writing is not a black/white endeavor, nor is being a writer. The act of creation is a continuum.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Recent rejection.</b> Sometimes the desire to quit your writing will be stoked by recent rejection, or a disappointment later in your career, like your supportive agent leaving the business. The bad news is that this stuff happens to writers and authors of all ranks and experience levels, sometimes without any notice. A lot of people don’t talk about this because they worry that any whiff of professional “failure” or misfortune reflects poorly on them. This is simply not true—setbacks happen to everyone, even bestselling writers who seem to be living the dream. I’ll never forget working behind the scenes on Judy Blume’s Masterclass course creation and hearing that she was thrown into uncertainty when her first adult novel wasn’t as well received as some of her earlier work. This woman is a living legend and has won lifetime achievement awards several times over. If rejection (or the perception of rejection) can rattle her, then there’s no hope for the rest of us. We can instead work to put rejection into perspective. It’s just a data point. Sometimes the data point is “Person X is not the right fit for my project.” Sometimes the data point is “I should go back and work on my plot a bit more, because this decline echoes something I was wondering myself.” Rejections are not in your control. Even the most lovely projects get rejected sometimes. The business really is subjective. But you <i>can</i> control how you respond and how you circle back to your work and either stick to your guns or make changes based on that rejection.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgIGN5EtFvJfvTfUqpd8CPcQIvA4zkDzJF4MT7QazsyJogRw3HOUvODnknMI2ihvD-xVgK5ZJKG39_8nGJ-XX60NjmF7_-YPoBIpnsL5g69kysN0Sz5Z7sLL8YGIQtIPA8KJLoWUiFjqnUk085ZNShF1u_NIpWE7tokB1JcxEfNpbiGs07j1dhSqkyso/s4259/no.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4259" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgIGN5EtFvJfvTfUqpd8CPcQIvA4zkDzJF4MT7QazsyJogRw3HOUvODnknMI2ihvD-xVgK5ZJKG39_8nGJ-XX60NjmF7_-YPoBIpnsL5g69kysN0Sz5Z7sLL8YGIQtIPA8KJLoWUiFjqnUk085ZNShF1u_NIpWE7tokB1JcxEfNpbiGs07j1dhSqkyso/s320/no.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Negative or conflicting feedback.</b> Sometimes you’re not stuck due to outright rejection, but challenging feedback or contradictory notes. I see writers all the time who come to me at a complete loss because their critique partner said one thing, and an agent at a conference had exactly the opposite assessment. (Hey, I’ve even participated in this dynamic by giving some feedback, only for the writer to say, “Ugh, that’s what I thought but my teacher said to do it another way,” etc. Or sometimes I agree with a critique that they deeply disagree with. It can be a mess to parse through differing opinions, especially if you’ve gotten a lot of cooks in your kitchen on a project that’s been in the works for a while.) First, you need to check yourself. Again, are you ready to process and filter the feedback, or are you feeling reactionary or defensive? If you’re coming from a grounded place, take a look at all of the responses you’ve gotten, including the contradictory ones. Anchor yourself to the nugget, mission statement, or true north star of why you decided to write that particular project. As long as your main premise is sound, you can then pick through feedback you’ve received and evaluate whether it upholds or changes your vision. Of course, your vision might not be sound, and that’s when you might hear about it in the form of rejection or a slowdown in the work—which you might perceive as writer’s block. But if you’re confident in the foundation of your story, trust your gut and writing intuition, and respond to the feedback that upholds your intention.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Positive feedback.</b> Huh? Why would a good review of the work make someone stop in their tracks? Well, this is an issue of you disagreeing with the positive notes, whether consciously or subconsciously. If you consciously disagree, then you know there’s more to be done with the project. Maybe you haven’t invested in getting critique from a qualified reader, and part of you doesn’t trust the praise. Maybe you’re very used to being hard on yourself and can’t hear and internalize anything nice (whether you got here on your own or your upbringing wasn’t creatively supportive doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’ve ended up unable to nurture yourself in your current endeavors). Subconsciously, you might actually think the project <i>is</i> great, but you can’t admit it, are afraid of success, and aren’t eager to take the next step.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>New idea syndrome. </b>This one also requires some self-awareness on your part. It’s perfectly reasonable to be pulled into another project, even if you’re cruising along on you first WIP. Sometimes, you are struck with another idea and want to pursue it. Sometimes this new idea is worthwhile, and you are right to jump into it. In fact, this is a great way to revitalize your writing energy across the board. (Some writers can’t juggle multiple projects and that’s fine, too. This is one thing you will have to learn about yourself as you go along, and it can also change as your work and life balance changes organically.) Sometimes, however, Shiny Object Syndrome, where you pounce on any new idea that comes your way, can be a procrastination tactic. You are stalling out or feeling conflicted about your current project, so you abandon it. Does your new idea really have that much more potential, or are you avoiding doing a hard revision or revisiting a project after a submission round ended in rejection? Do a little self-inquiry and see what rings true to you. There is nothing wrong with taking a creative left turn (or five), but as I mentioned in the discussion of quitting, above, you need to dig a little deeper and figure out if you’re actually interrupting your work for a valid reason, or if you’ve just hit an obstacle. Sometimes persevering and doing the hard revision or the complete overhaul on a manuscript doesn’t feel sexy or exciting, but it’s the endeavor that will teach you more than simply abandoning a problematic draft for something fresh.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherPR47TetxDJXRPcC-wLiGFJn8EUF0mgE0sY_XJwmm_8Do7QmUU0uCgR6UuRevzJ3ZE7dJgzM2YKrtWuFoA05OxHqejZ-W5M_K5Hj0Uus7bbK-zYJSNeen8gwIxoJXTwsVqpaEKvvr-DS6Qg1NYKM33EbJZdak1XShWFEYGyzPyAkKf37GIixnqQyZSg/s5184/tired.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherPR47TetxDJXRPcC-wLiGFJn8EUF0mgE0sY_XJwmm_8Do7QmUU0uCgR6UuRevzJ3ZE7dJgzM2YKrtWuFoA05OxHqejZ-W5M_K5Hj0Uus7bbK-zYJSNeen8gwIxoJXTwsVqpaEKvvr-DS6Qg1NYKM33EbJZdak1XShWFEYGyzPyAkKf37GIixnqQyZSg/s320/tired.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>The need for downtime.</b> And sometimes, the fact that you’re hitting a brick wall in terms of your writing has nothing to do with any issues of ego or reluctance or avoidance. Sometimes you can just be burned out, either from writing or working or living or all of the above. Guess what? That’s okay, too! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been faced with a rare golden opportunity to work without interruption, only to find that I cannot get myself to the page to write. I simply can’t do it. That’s worth listening to, too. Not every moment needs to yield Maximum Productivity (patent pending, ha!). Sometimes, you need to fart around (as the great Saint Vonnegut advised us to do) or do some hands-off back brain work on your idea. This doesn’t look like much, but your creative energies are always working on problems, even when you’re not doing “butt in chair” time. If your rest period drags on, you might want to force yourself back into some kind of writing habit, but if you find yourself breaking down and craving a break, that is not a bad thing, in and of itself. In fact, it can get you over a period of analysis paralysis or self-loathing and help you come back even stronger if you “fall to temptation” and give into taking a break.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>What To Do Next?</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><b></b><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Only you know the vision you have for your writing life and for your current project (or projects). If you want to quit for a while, quit. If you want to persevere and keep going, do that. Commit at least a little time every few days to moving forward—even if that means jumping around in your project outline just so you can keep the momentum going.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There is no one right or wrong way to be a writer or to finish a manuscript. Your patterns this year or last year might not even be your patterns a year or two from now. The journey is very much fluid. All you can do is know yourself, know your idea, and do what you can in that particular season to be of service to both your creative energy and your human need for rest and integration, as well as productivity. All of this is part of the creative process, even the moments that don’t necessarily feel all that creative.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">***</p><div dir="ltr" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><div class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Mary Kole's newest book is out: </span><i><span style="color: #666666;">WRITING IRRESISTIBLE PICTURE BOOKS: Insider Insights Into Crafting Compelling Modern Stories for Young Readers</span> </i><a href="https://amzn.to/3FRBF9O" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>|<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201688631-writing-irresistible-picture-books" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX62DVR7xurt8OBsHQ94pMGsYzVHldaNNCrvK94kOXOSyKik_09Rps5bbfaNTF6pbO5TTZTdy7Ridri43pizTGwL7WnZTpKC0S7bIHWWfpYHmGfBtist3QSfVGdILoyr9Bc3pSigmfqXrE-LMwAhtOnegkaKzC-JB9kx7k-rxLAB4pTktMs0RtqpUNmqQ/s9900/irrestible.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Writing Irresistible Picture Books by Mary Kole" border="0" data-original-height="9900" data-original-width="6150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX62DVR7xurt8OBsHQ94pMGsYzVHldaNNCrvK94kOXOSyKik_09Rps5bbfaNTF6pbO5TTZTdy7Ridri43pizTGwL7WnZTpKC0S7bIHWWfpYHmGfBtist3QSfVGdILoyr9Bc3pSigmfqXrE-LMwAhtOnegkaKzC-JB9kx7k-rxLAB4pTktMs0RtqpUNmqQ/w199-h320/irrestible.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #666666;">Founder | <a href="https://goodstorycompany.com/" target="_blank">Good Story Company</a></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666;">Executive Editor |<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://marykole.com/" target="_blank">Mary Kole Editorial</a> </span><div><div><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://storymastermind.com/" target="_blank">Small Group Writing Workshops</a> | <a href="https://manuscriptstudio.com/" target="_blank">Ghostwriting</a> | <a href="https://www.upswellmedia.com/" target="_blank">IP Development</a></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://kidlit.com/" target="_blank">Kidlit</a> | <a href="https://facebook.com/marykoleeditorial/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/goodstoryco" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span><a href="https://instagram.com/goodstorycompany" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="color: #666666;"> | </span><a href="https://youtube.com/c/goodstory" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="color: #666666;"> | </span><a href="https://goodstorypodcast.com/" target="_blank">Podcast</a><span style="color: #666666;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membership" target="_blank">Writing Resource Vault</a><span style="color: #666666;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodstorycompany.com/workshops" target="_blank">Current Workshops</a> <span style="color: #666666;">| </span><span style="color: #666666;">Please consider writing a testimonial about my work on </span><a href="https://marykole.com/testimonial-submission" target="_blank">my website</a><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/marykoleeditorial/reviews/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a><span style="color: #666666;">!</span></div></div></div><div><div><i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #666666;">WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction </span></i><i style="color: #666666;">for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers </i><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599635763/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1599635763&linkCode=as2&tag=kidlitcom-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>| </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13665361-writing-irresistible-kidlit" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div></div><div><span style="color: #666666;"><i>SUCCESSFUL QUERY LETTERS: 40+ Real World Query Letters With Literary Agent Feedback</i> </span><a href="https://amzn.to/433iR0D" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>|<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/147671257-successful-query-letters" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #999999;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-75232131130302282182023-12-06T07:30:00.049-05:002023-12-06T07:30:00.129-05:00Publishing Books: Ever-Changing, Ever-Exciting<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3VhwN6n85As5UxYpXv0PoRWBS_NHU8bbwRtCuF5yBMia6BUU-jA4qByFxokPzZjKE3TM9FsewxNQYFJQuw_rAED-ehQDDaGifBqxuXTHLL9oYSM0EbrkhV39G9pSAex1o7Z2htxH5EvB_NepybSKAAKnBmcWPNKyiCgaZBTQ_7zhSwXbqvAcbLAZY1w/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3VhwN6n85As5UxYpXv0PoRWBS_NHU8bbwRtCuF5yBMia6BUU-jA4qByFxokPzZjKE3TM9FsewxNQYFJQuw_rAED-ehQDDaGifBqxuXTHLL9oYSM0EbrkhV39G9pSAex1o7Z2htxH5EvB_NepybSKAAKnBmcWPNKyiCgaZBTQ_7zhSwXbqvAcbLAZY1w/w255-h251/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="255" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve made enough noise on my social media that I hope my friends and followers are aware that I’m close to having another book published. As I’m going through the process, readers I know are asking me questions that made me realize how much most of the general public don’t know about today’s publishing business.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“You have a publisher. Aren’t they taking care of the promotion?”</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“ Where will you go on your book tour?”</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What they’re thinking about is the writer who is with one of the big five: Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan and Simon & Schuster. With some exceptions, these writers are celebrities (Obama) or established bestsellers (Grisham). Some new writers do make it through the system by landing an agent and then a book deal, or even by self-publishing and catching the attention of one of the big five with high sales. </span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jPqMjek84hkYIdActCqYHP5K-uamXN2ppcwhRgiyqvj92FlaKEgIx6zSk-gHCcNvEZLueQmTAQmHEV8J3MSh9qCUP7E8u7fOh70KO_S3jxt_zIlHNPU05gZ2V23wM371UlioBMyq8zOsokKtCJHCNmvRVExdz5zWl_ieJ8b_LLfXVDv43gFxi9dqeFI/s2048/file0001011312144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jPqMjek84hkYIdActCqYHP5K-uamXN2ppcwhRgiyqvj92FlaKEgIx6zSk-gHCcNvEZLueQmTAQmHEV8J3MSh9qCUP7E8u7fOh70KO_S3jxt_zIlHNPU05gZ2V23wM371UlioBMyq8zOsokKtCJHCNmvRVExdz5zWl_ieJ8b_LLfXVDv43gFxi9dqeFI/s320/file0001011312144.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">The publishing revolution that took place a few years ago significantly changed the industry. Some companies folded or merged. Vanity, hybrid, and small presses proliferated. Self-publishing gained in popularity, and has gradually gained credibility by producing professional work. Each year approximately 2.3 million books are published by authors or small presses. Only between one and two percent of writers are published by the big five.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I explain today’s system, most people are surprised that there are so many roads to being a published author. In the past, there was pretty much only one—land an agent, sign a contract, receive an advance, and then pray you earned out that advance, so you didn’t have to repay it. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, you can do-it-yourself: write the book, hire an editor, buy an ISBN, buy a cover design, pay for or do your own formatting, set up the distribution, and advertise. (this list isn’t necessarily complete or chronological)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BS4RDxq50UCYDe36qOQhsmDFbrExKcuEqaLjr66PxBGH7gengDS1wNEI_EcX5gJjwRu7TPdP0w3sMzFnc_-pPOAvomEmzd8LUiU5Nvsg5vBqqG41WFSjjGBlBM_FTi38nmHpXyTolQ0jS86WG2JTzYYnzFsGRDjv1SrXdEg6tAZDZ3y9JqUoC36061E/s3072/1409485687cxj29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BS4RDxq50UCYDe36qOQhsmDFbrExKcuEqaLjr66PxBGH7gengDS1wNEI_EcX5gJjwRu7TPdP0w3sMzFnc_-pPOAvomEmzd8LUiU5Nvsg5vBqqG41WFSjjGBlBM_FTi38nmHpXyTolQ0jS86WG2JTzYYnzFsGRDjv1SrXdEg6tAZDZ3y9JqUoC36061E/s320/1409485687cxj29.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Vanity presses are another option, and when you use them, you pay them to publish your book. They might do a good job with the details of publishing, but that’s not guaranteed, so after you pay the $4,000 or more, the book may not be a professional product. It’s up to the author to check everything very carefully. Usually, all the royalties are the author’s, and they retain their rights.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(44, 44, 44); color: #2c2c2c;">In 2018, IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association, 2018) set out </span><a href="https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/custom.asp?page=hybridpublisher" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(44, 44, 44);"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(16, 116, 30); color: #10741e; font-kerning: none;">criteria</span></a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(44, 44, 44); color: #2c2c2c;"> to help authors find a reputable hybrid press.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(44, 44, 44); color: #2c2c2c;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some small presses take on the responsibility of putting the manuscript through the publishing pipeline without fees. The author won’t get an advance, but they will receive a percentage of the royalties. Good companies do some promotion, but the lion’s share is the author’s responsibility. Some rights go to the press. Others go to the author.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the biggest factors that has driven many authors away from traditional publishing is time. It can take years to find an agent--more years to sell a manuscript. And there are times a manuscript won't find a home even when agented. However, even after a sale and a contract have been negotiated, it can take additional years to see the book in print. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is an exciting, challenging business to be a part of because it changes constantly, and the competition is fierce. Then when a book launches, it’s an adrenaline rush. No wonder there are so many people caught up in writing books and publishing them. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-32562854911013868192023-11-20T07:30:00.002-05:002023-11-20T07:30:00.128-05:00Rewards of Applying<p class="p2" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Dear fellow writer,</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Are you considering applying for something, but it seems like there's no way you'd be the one chosen? Maybe you want to apply for a workshop or a residency, a grant or a job, or maybe you’re just worrying about submitting a piece you’ve written.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Going through an application process can change your life, and not just if you get chosen.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I wrote the first iteration of this message, my tiny publishing company, Thinking Ink Press, was a finalist for the Innovative Voices program of the Independent Book Publishers Association.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Turns out we did get into the program (yay!), but even if we hadn’t, the application process changed my relationship to the work we do.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before, I didn't really know what we did, besides publish books.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, because we were forced to articulate our mission and values for the application, I feel confident in what we stand for and excited to find new projects that fit our vision.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the application, we had to look at our past work and explain why it supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Seeing our published books in that light made me realize that we aren’t just a group of people who care about those things and also run a publishing company. Instead, our company as an entity values those things and bases its actions upon them. The application process made me prouder of the work we've done so far, and it helped me see all our books in the bigger context of what we care about as a press.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another part of the application was stating our mission. I think we’d all been trying to define our mission for years. We started our press as a group of friends who love books, and we chose what to publish based on opportunities that presented themselves, with the thought that in the future we would see a pattern. Applying for Innovative Voices was just what we needed to see that pattern. The application process helped us reflect on our past work and create a focused mission statement that we believe in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A final part of the application was to talk about future projects. While we were discussing this, we got the idea for a science fiction anthology about neurodivergent humans interacting with aliens. We are very excited about this project, but I don’t think we would have committed to it, or possibly even thought of it, if we hadn’t applied for Innovative Voices.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s been great to meet the other publishers in the program, and to receive the help offered through it. But I feel we gained something even more important by going through the application process. We know who we are now and what matters to us in our work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think back on other things I’ve applied for, and I see the same pattern: applying for a job causes me to consider what I care about in order to write a résumé. Submitting a story forces me to finish the story and commit to its details, as well as to choose a venue I’d be proud to appear in, and also to become willing to be known as the author of that particular story. Asking someone if they want to write together creates a deeper commitment to my own writing and helps me understand how I want to show up as a writer. Even when these things result in rejection, which they often do, I still gain from the process because I better understand myself and what I want to focus on in my life.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So if you're on the fence about applying for something, I say go for it.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not just because you might get chosen (because, hey, you might), but because the process of applying can help you choose yourself.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Keiko O’Leary</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #141414; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Co-founder, Thinking Ink Press</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">P.S. Thinking Ink Press is a traditional publisher. We welcome you to submit your work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li7" style="color: #0b4cb4; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="color: black;">Submit to the <a href="https://neurodiversiverse.com/"><span class="s3" style="color: #0b4cb4;">science fiction anthology</span></a></span></li><li class="li8" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Submit <a href="https://www.thinkinginkpress.com/keikos-calls/"><span class="s3" style="color: #0b4cb4;">flash fiction and poetry</span></a> to be published as postcards and mini books (my favorite!)</li><li class="li8" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>For other projects, see our <a href="https://www.thinkinginkpress.com/queries/submission-guidelines/"><span class="s3" style="color: #0b4cb4;">submission guidelines</span></a></li></ul><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzF99NowDc4hIwdesEsNYbAxitRmL3Ypgwk_oKXAPBXA1VECQMsnsvNTZTBZO82PsgGeHPYf6xQYtyGlJGzsdQ0V2e_fwnAji8vhy42GptQAP5Oiy8eKfqtVT7kMbywmYICFPmf_IKW-31pmVeUJnYlz6EGR5ZDn_MflfH4QuVgGWswD6_NyZqCCpqKE/s1393/Thinking%20Ink%20Press%20all%20four%20of%20us%20-%20Keiko%20Anthony%20Liza%20Betsy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1393" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzF99NowDc4hIwdesEsNYbAxitRmL3Ypgwk_oKXAPBXA1VECQMsnsvNTZTBZO82PsgGeHPYf6xQYtyGlJGzsdQ0V2e_fwnAji8vhy42GptQAP5Oiy8eKfqtVT7kMbywmYICFPmf_IKW-31pmVeUJnYlz6EGR5ZDn_MflfH4QuVgGWswD6_NyZqCCpqKE/w400-h215/Thinking%20Ink%20Press%20all%20four%20of%20us%20-%20Keiko%20Anthony%20Liza%20Betsy.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face=""Atlas Grotesk Web", "Atlas Grotesk", AtlasGrotesk, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-wrap: nowrap;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Thinking Ink Press all four of us - Keiko, Anthony, Liza, Betsy</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><div class="gmail_default"><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><b>Keiko O'Leary</b> is a co‑founder of Thinking Ink Press, where she edits manuscripts and publishes books. She also works on innovative formats such as flash fiction postcards and mini books folded from a single sheet of paper. She is the author of <i><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://books2read.com/your-writing-matters/&source=gmail&ust=1700345597834000&usg=AOvVaw0zXaVhdMcMU72PVgjki2mQ" href="https://books2read.com/your-writing-matters/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Your Writing Matters: 34 Quick Essays to Get Unstuck and Stay Inspired</a></i>. Connect with Keiko at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://KeikoOLeary.com&source=gmail&ust=1700345597834000&usg=AOvVaw3yUFe5SaNVfI4wZI7m4-Vr" href="http://keikooleary.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">KeikoOLeary.com</a>.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiwSosLyHJd4QhAvu7L8uJXGA9DL6jywEqbjw3b2mbrBM-wB69zXsh1iQ_veId8DaISnWuL7rDf6Cr8MgDn1gpFr1ehcYDXoI-nw8AkKE5WL9i1LUZmunPeT2bJ9OlhJM3tRjCZ71Z55uG1q2ggeRnbUoXxvmnNr-qTM0fPiuNnaz_6iuo-56Wx20CUg/s300/Keiko%20O'Leary%20YWM%20bio%20photo%20headshot%20warm%20cropped%20300px%20for%20digital%20use.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="238" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiwSosLyHJd4QhAvu7L8uJXGA9DL6jywEqbjw3b2mbrBM-wB69zXsh1iQ_veId8DaISnWuL7rDf6Cr8MgDn1gpFr1ehcYDXoI-nw8AkKE5WL9i1LUZmunPeT2bJ9OlhJM3tRjCZ71Z55uG1q2ggeRnbUoXxvmnNr-qTM0fPiuNnaz_6iuo-56Wx20CUg/w189-h238/Keiko%20O'Leary%20YWM%20bio%20photo%20headshot%20warm%20cropped%20300px%20for%20digital%20use.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><p></p></div><ul class="ul1"><li class="li7" style="color: #0b4cb4; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></li></ul><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-464154149038210922023-11-13T05:00:00.023-05:002023-11-13T05:00:00.142-05:00The Basic Layout of an eBookThe exact layout of an eBook is not set in stone. But if you’ve never prepared one for formatting, there is a basic layout pattern you’ll want to stick to for a professional appearance. <br />
<br />
First, let’s cover the standard pages: <br />
<br />
<b>Title page</b> – this should contain the title, the author’s name, and the publishing house. You can also include the logo and html web address. <br />
<br />
<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZW7fYWXWer-0KL25p8R24cyov64j4xm5kZQeQnyL9e7J4S5i4s_6Vh45aoCKlr5mgrDM62hN7fzazPzejGm_enjZEYXZVY8Gx-ARQiGNLIumuoJu_gzL6TJKTYz81ovwpypwDoAVZXkM9fKcKuMj-bUkIVBAas4OnmcP6JBVu9Qgp7_mGm_OFh8LY5I/s422/Copyright%20page%20sample.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="343" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZW7fYWXWer-0KL25p8R24cyov64j4xm5kZQeQnyL9e7J4S5i4s_6Vh45aoCKlr5mgrDM62hN7fzazPzejGm_enjZEYXZVY8Gx-ARQiGNLIumuoJu_gzL6TJKTYz81ovwpypwDoAVZXkM9fKcKuMj-bUkIVBAas4OnmcP6JBVu9Qgp7_mGm_OFh8LY5I/w325-h400/Copyright%20page%20sample.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br />Copyright page</b> – this should contain the copyright year and author’s name, ISBN, publisher’s name & address, “all rights reserved,” and disclaimer (“work of fiction, etc.). You can also credit people such as the cover artists. If you are registering it for a Library of Congress Control Number or a PNC (pre-assigned control number), that information will also go on this page. (Note that a LCCN or PNC are not assigned to eBooks only but can be included when you register a print book.) If you are getting a LCCN (for publishers with books in multiple libraries) then you will also get a Catalogue in Publication block, also called a CIP block. <br />
<br />
<b>Dedication</b> – keep it short and simple. <br />
<br />
<b>Table of contents</b> – either chapter titles or numbers. There will be no page numbers, but each chapter title will need to be hyperlinked to its corresponding chapter. <br />
<br />
<b>Manuscript</b> – this is the body of your text. Note no headers or page numbers required. You can add graphics for chapter titles/number. <br />
<br />
<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8Xusm7FQw5ZJB9YN7q6fq5cmvpKO2jxgBSoArVg1MidNNrCihLBMwixpkknqe1JQDAJfx19wZoW_4kaOHi6u_W8k8jW4jJaQux_KWKd8L2gMnCPk5O9jC6Et1z8Uc9hJFZx6CFLooLCWLacFMGF1MCli6zvWYHw9_jnoXRBKG-PnbBpAegQh3zcCU3M/s491/author%20page.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8Xusm7FQw5ZJB9YN7q6fq5cmvpKO2jxgBSoArVg1MidNNrCihLBMwixpkknqe1JQDAJfx19wZoW_4kaOHi6u_W8k8jW4jJaQux_KWKd8L2gMnCPk5O9jC6Et1z8Uc9hJFZx6CFLooLCWLacFMGF1MCli6zvWYHw9_jnoXRBKG-PnbBpAegQh3zcCU3M/s320/author%20page.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />About the author</b> – a paragraph about yourself. Include links to your website and social sites (but not to retail sites – Barnes & Noble frowns upon eBooks linked to Amazon!) You can also include an author photo. <br />
<br />
In between dedication and table of contents, one can also have a list of other books or acknowledgements. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw3LwADcFthd20fi7lasU4tYyYU-h4qz7GYfptki4XE5E9OYH9pJYYTPXiLQSPyMl0WZ8CHeLygFnW3YLA_kt3l4gtYrFRz0p3lb1B9L20IdK0i2i83glimCrOA9kioeu7v2Z73u9WBoPqO0rQ6UDs8m-YSg-Ahyphenhyphenhj-FnGBT_kkknXUWqdE6X4hh0ZTI/s748/reviews.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw3LwADcFthd20fi7lasU4tYyYU-h4qz7GYfptki4XE5E9OYH9pJYYTPXiLQSPyMl0WZ8CHeLygFnW3YLA_kt3l4gtYrFRz0p3lb1B9L20IdK0i2i83glimCrOA9kioeu7v2Z73u9WBoPqO0rQ6UDs8m-YSg-Ahyphenhyphenhj-FnGBT_kkknXUWqdE6X4hh0ZTI/s320/reviews.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />An important item to include is the book’s <b>reviews/blurbs</b>. When readers are skimming the first few pages, reading the free sample, glowing reviews will help them make the decision to buy the book. Reviews for the book can come after the title page or after the dedication. <br />
<br />
Other items you might want to include: <br />
<b>Glossary<br />
Bibliography<br />
Bonus material</b><br />
<br />
Those items will appear after the manuscript ends but before the author page. <br />
<br />
And there you have it! The basic layout of an eBook. Now you are ready to get started. <br />
<br />
L. Diane Wolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-72013753788918413042023-11-06T07:30:00.001-05:002023-11-06T07:30:00.139-05:00Getting to Published by Gabi Coatsworth<p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">The more I learned about how to get published, the more I realized I would need more than one plan for getting there. I’d started researching how other people got their books out in the world years before I was close to having a manuscript I felt able to submit. I discovered I needed a document professionally edited and formatted in a certain way. Plus an elevator pitch, synopsis, and query letter, all of them perfect.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">This would guarantee I’d find an agent who would take my novel and sell it to one of the Big Five publishers. They would, of course, fight over my book, pay me a huge advance, buy the movie rights, and sign me up for a two-book contract. Experts agreed this was the only way to do it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">And then the real publishing world, which seemed to be changing from day to day, intervened.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT6GV2HvSpmuJZAHDLQshXe2MP0lv5sxl8YwWowFg4Xez7tLR6oIpIxd27qU4Tjf96j19lCerYhxHBEk1MJBiZ-AAe6aa243f7Di-i0_jwO6kIK6K79z1HPFObx7jJ0Vf1S4_ZoJScs3zqKCzPh8n2sKiwwch9EfySwGKQ0NNdATI0SLBCoxBgXiTroo/s5534/Iab7nU6OVqZ05eyoU1P0z2Cn19Kysk5jG9A1BCUY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3689" data-original-width="5534" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT6GV2HvSpmuJZAHDLQshXe2MP0lv5sxl8YwWowFg4Xez7tLR6oIpIxd27qU4Tjf96j19lCerYhxHBEk1MJBiZ-AAe6aa243f7Di-i0_jwO6kIK6K79z1HPFObx7jJ0Vf1S4_ZoJScs3zqKCzPh8n2sKiwwch9EfySwGKQ0NNdATI0SLBCoxBgXiTroo/s320/Iab7nU6OVqZ05eyoU1P0z2Cn19Kysk5jG9A1BCUY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">At that point, I only had one plan—the one above, which I subsequently called Plan A. I queried lots of agents and finally found one with the help of a friend, which is often the way. She did her damnedest to sell the book. I got a revise-and-resubmit, but by the time the new manuscript was ready, the editor who’d asked for it had moved to another publisher and only wanted cozy mysteries. My agent wondered if I could rewrite it as a mystery. I thought not.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">I needed a Plan B. I would submit it myself to small independent traditional publishers. I’d researched and tried some of them before, with my memoir, only to be rejected or ignored. I thought my novel might do better.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">Using my handy elevator pitch, synopsis, and query letter, I submitted. This time it was easier because most small publishers prefer you to do so via Submittable. Six months later, I was ready to admit that this wasn’t going to work either. The only publisher who came back to me loved the novel, but wouldn’t be able to schedule publication until three years hence, and since I’m approaching the shady side of seventy, I didn’t want to wait.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">Plans C and D were all that remained. Plan D was to self-publish—the least expensive way to go. But that would mean a huge learning curve and a great deal of subcontracting. Cover design, formatting, ISBN numbers, proofreading, distribution…the list went on and on.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">So, I turned to my Plan C, hybrid publishing, and here’s why. A good hybrid publisher offers all of the things I mentioned above: design, editing, proofing, and even marketing. They require more research than traditional indie publishers, because the quality of their work, and their prices, vary enormously.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnFreklt59MVj1A5Ac99X_CeXH2VsiBas4YqsMRXu-bIHFJLRMT5YPkHl48_4JwJWaYgFcabteeBCuzn6ABUUg9CJUwtmdg5z1K65OyFv7x7B3shlDfwDIQcBjpqeTuxq0wc4W26kusPP7s8OGUgxnKz9TdqsvHWbjeBUbVD6ZivjPtM9QI7mFDeyG3o/s1566/file000739253401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1566" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnFreklt59MVj1A5Ac99X_CeXH2VsiBas4YqsMRXu-bIHFJLRMT5YPkHl48_4JwJWaYgFcabteeBCuzn6ABUUg9CJUwtmdg5z1K65OyFv7x7B3shlDfwDIQcBjpqeTuxq0wc4W26kusPP7s8OGUgxnKz9TdqsvHWbjeBUbVD6ZivjPtM9QI7mFDeyG3o/s320/file000739253401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">As part of my due diligence, I bought a book from each of the presses I was considering, to check the quality. Some had awful covers, bad cover copy, or typos, and I discarded them immediately. Some kept the rights to your work for several years, and I heard some horror stories about trying to get them back. They were out too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">I was left with a short list, and contacted some of the authors they’d published, to ask them about their experience. Only two candidates remained, and they both wanted my novel. I decided to go with the one that allowed me to approve every step of the production process, could publish within nine months, and let me keep most of the royalties.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">It had taken me three years to figure it all out. Here’s hoping this article will help you get there quicker.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK-cYYqpTlMNplIH9S5bwErw_lY-sB5TV9fQqqTbFyTYZ5Vg5_Ze9hp8RYdNX6K4dh3jzoP4JSHuc8r4tEIa8Jjh-AfO8CDtq8IDQW-Ao3NfxqclaWwRtWRQlI1NYWNsDgpkYPzWe66fuAYCx9hT1a1Pt8EsQotbcdTr04pzY7otVxyNAuR0qVAtdgJY/s700/Cover_Final-467x700.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK-cYYqpTlMNplIH9S5bwErw_lY-sB5TV9fQqqTbFyTYZ5Vg5_Ze9hp8RYdNX6K4dh3jzoP4JSHuc8r4tEIa8Jjh-AfO8CDtq8IDQW-Ao3NfxqclaWwRtWRQlI1NYWNsDgpkYPzWe66fuAYCx9hT1a1Pt8EsQotbcdTr04pzY7otVxyNAuR0qVAtdgJY/s320/Cover_Final-467x700.webp" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Starting-Over/dp/1639888535" target="_blank">AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</a></div><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 36px;">Visit Gabi Coatsworth</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 36px;"> <a href="http://gabicoatsworth.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> . <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gabi.coatsworth">FACEBOOK</a></p>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-59431763197225272102023-11-01T07:01:00.004-04:002023-11-01T07:01:44.172-04:00#IWSG Day and It's National Novel Writing Month!<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PmpKrXAxK2lfxW1qhd_SGYRekYdIhQmg4wloZMl0dvhiI5e5dOPovLjcY7Nt8Z1cfPsFZRcmkYrc_0wCGk65OzY1Pa6eQDqPkeY3r191Fy0Xrl6e4zhl38qfyeJAZ-ZYVr4qqmi_IC1Yu4F7aqqKsAhQXluq-MNXHsRmRi9HxZgoibNdGPNZSHsjSwM/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PmpKrXAxK2lfxW1qhd_SGYRekYdIhQmg4wloZMl0dvhiI5e5dOPovLjcY7Nt8Z1cfPsFZRcmkYrc_0wCGk65OzY1Pa6eQDqPkeY3r191Fy0Xrl6e4zhl38qfyeJAZ-ZYVr4qqmi_IC1Yu4F7aqqKsAhQXluq-MNXHsRmRi9HxZgoibNdGPNZSHsjSwM/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />It’s time for another group posting of the <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writer’s Support Group!</a> Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.<br />
<br />
The awesome co-hosts for the November 1 posting of the IWSG are <b><a href="http://www.pjcolando.com/" target="_blank">PJ Colando,</a> <a href="http://jeanddavis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jean Davis,</a> <a href="http://www.lisabuiecollard.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Buie Collard,</a> </b>and <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Diedre Knight!</b></a><br />
<br />
<b>Today’s question:</b> November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not? <br />
<br />
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: helvetica;">We need hosts for December, January, and February!!! These are tough months so if you can help, we will be most grateful. If you have never co-hosted, please volunteer. It’s a lot more fun on the co-host side. Really! You get a ton more visitors, meet a lot of new people, and get to showcase yourself as a writer/author. </span><br /></div><div></div>
<br />
We also had some great articles here last month:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2023/10/top-book-giveaway-platforms-and-tips-to.html" target="_blank">Top Book Giveaway Platforms and Tips to Leverage Them for Book Promotion Success</a><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2023/10/six-ways-author-can-turn-away-fans.html" target="_blank">Six Ways an Author Can Turn Away Fans Online</a><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2023/10/podcasting-for-authors-hosting-and.html" target="_blank">Podcasting for Authors - Hosting and Guesting!</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever participated in NaNo?</span><br /></div>
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-38286863795537920152023-10-23T05:00:00.037-04:002023-10-23T05:00:00.148-04:00Top Book Giveaway Platforms and Tips to Leverage Them for Book Promotion Success<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="formatted"><span lang="EN-SG">By Damyanti Biswas</span></span><span lang="EN-SG"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As an author, whether
you are trad or self-published, the bulk of book promotion now falls on your shoulders. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One aspect of book
promotion is a giveaway. A giveaway tends to be popular because it lets readers
have a shot at snagging a book for free, or even win some additional swag. Not
necessarily because most readers cannot buy books or depend on free books for
their reading: a giveaway usually turns into a community event, bringing
readers together while a book is given away. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The more entertaining a
giveaway, higher its chances of being successful. Yes, giving away a kindle or expensive
customized swag like tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, candles etc can be the ticket
to drawing a larger audience. Big publishers give away such items for their
lead titles. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have found though
that it is possible to get readers excited about far lesser priced items that
suit a typical author’s budget. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ad copy you write in order to announce a
giveaway or the video you use, can often pique a reader’s interest. Giveaways
also tend to be platform-specific and what works for one platform may not
necessarily work for another. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With the information
below, I have tried to collate giveaway ideas on various platforms, and what
you can do to promote them better. Here are a few platforms on which to do
giveaways: <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Goodreads:</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Goodreads isn’t the
world’s best-run site, but it IS a behemoth. Readers still flock there, and
entering your book for a giveaway will attract a lot of readers. You can give
away kindle or paperbacks, and the fees are steep. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My publisher invests
in the giveaway, and every time someone enters, it puts the book on the Want to
read list of the entrant. Their followers are notified, and if those followers
trust the entrant’s opinion, they might add your book to their Want-to-Reads.
This happened with my book The Blue Bar, and I did see a direct correlation
between pre-order numbers and want-to-reads. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Storygraph:</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If the Goodreads
giveaways look like too big an investment, try . It is a smaller but
better run site and more readers are flocking to it each day. The giveaways are
cheaper, but they also draw a smaller audience. I plan to experiment with this
platform <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>soon but have heard good
results from author friends who have tried it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Instagram:</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On Instagram, I've had
the best results with book giveaways when a bookstagrammer hosts it instead of
me. The hosts have a minimal investment in terms of just creating a graphic and
making a post, and the giveaway usually asks for a Follow for them. I take care
of the shipping costs and the ARC. It doesn’t directly lead to higher sales but
it increases the visibility of the book cover. I also use it to thank the
authors who have been kind enough to blurb my book. In that case I ask for a Follow
for the host , for me, and the wonderful author who has blurbed my book. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is simpler for me
because my publisher puts my ARC on Netgalley, and also sends out physical ARCs.
If you have your book on a site like Book Funnel, it is possible to give away
an E-copy and thus reduce the investment. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Bookstagrammers who
like your work can be a very supportive community: all you have to do is
interact with them professionally over a longer period and genuinely engage
with their posts. So many from my bookstagram family have helped me with cover
reveals and reviews for the Blue Mumbai books. They know that their
relationship with me will remain unaffected whether their review is positive or
not. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Facebook:</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On Facebook, giveaways
work best in readers’ groups. Not many <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>such groups allow giveaways by authors but the
few that do are very supportive and helpful. I've had many of the readers in
these groups become super fans who have followed me all across my social media
and reviewed all my books. Depending on your genre, here are a few groups that
you can explore: Tattered Page Book Club, Psychological Thriller readers,
Psychological Thriller Authors and Readers Unite, The Booklounge for Readers
and Authors. If you develop relationships with the admins of these groups and
interact throughout, you will receive amazing support. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Newsletter:</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A newsletter outlasts
all social media. If the growth of your newsletter is organic (like mine has
been) even a small engaged audience can do wonders in terms of reviews and spreading
the word. I try and do giveaways as often as possible on my newsletter in order
to keep my audience more engaged and invested than ever. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Blog:</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I don't run giveaways
on my blog but some of the big reader blogs can be very effective in putting
your book in front of a larger audience. Most of these blogs work with large publishers
but if you make good relationships with other bloggers they might let you do a
giveaway in conjunction with a guest posts. Research who the big readers in
your genre are, and if they have established blogs. Some of them also tend to
run very successful book clubs. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Twitter (X):</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This platform is down
but not yet out. Giveaways by book reviewers often gain hundreds of entries and
put the book cover in front of a large audience. I'm giving away a few copies
of my ARC's via book bloggers and the response has been tremendous. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">---</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These are just a few
of the platforms you can explore in order to spread the word about your book. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To make a book
giveaway successful: <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Having a professionally
made and striking book cover is absolutely crucial to the success of these
giveaways. Readers do indeed judge a book by its cover. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Don’t make
the ask too big for the reader to enter the giveaway: usually a few likes,
shares and follows do the trick. Make sure to ask an interaction question which
will lead to more comments, or to tag/ post in stories to increase reach.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
giveaways may not always lead to reviews—sometimes they do, at others they
don’t, but having your book cover seen by a lot of readers is very worthwhile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Interaction
with readers is key. A giveaway is not a make-it, shut-it, forget-it
deal—readers are there as much for the interaction and engagement as they are
for the freebie.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Don’t lose
sight of your voice as a writer—the more the reader sense your presence behind
your giveaway posts, the more engaged they’re likely to be. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When a reader
interacts with your book on one social media they are shown more advertisements
of your book by Amazon and Facebook. If your publisher is placing ads, then
doing these giveaways will reinforce these book covers in the minds of the
reader. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Marketing wisdom says
that a consumer needs to see a product at least seven times before making the
decision to purchase it. Book giveaways help in providing that visibility and
repetition to your book and your author brand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All reviews are a bonus. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You can get quite
creative about doing book giveaways on a smaller budget: all you'll need is to
build your author platform: stable relationships with readers and book
reviewers will create willingness to champion your book. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Have you
participated in book giveaways on other platforms? What has experience with
book giveaways been like?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguldz3QFEJIWb3aGm0IMRXv19ecav17mbjbOJhHKjVpIe_SKagZVz-M75zCoECnqnY_3N0EW11ZvWaa4L973eFKyD_cLdLRM3q64b8ueDOSItp853RWAfUgV7lGz7IgzSsiP7zszuTHqwUXzaYhUp4Tv5nqY9gKXtjn6bdVuX-meLuu75NNwccCC0yhA0/s1000/Author_pic_Damyanti_Biswas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguldz3QFEJIWb3aGm0IMRXv19ecav17mbjbOJhHKjVpIe_SKagZVz-M75zCoECnqnY_3N0EW11ZvWaa4L973eFKyD_cLdLRM3q64b8ueDOSItp853RWAfUgV7lGz7IgzSsiP7zszuTHqwUXzaYhUp4Tv5nqY9gKXtjn6bdVuX-meLuu75NNwccCC0yhA0/w133-h200/Author_pic_Damyanti_Biswas.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />BIO:<span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; font-family: "Cambria",serif;"></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Damyanti<span class="xxapple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>is currently based in
Singapore. Her short fiction has been published at Smokelong, Ambit, Litro,
Puerto del Sol, among others, and she's the coeditor of<span class="xxapple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforgelitmag.com%2Fabout%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbc88e9f2cbea448197cb08db3da00a5d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638171529838353551%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=S%2BeiTSx02%2FMQLBxQVM54L2%2Bc9hsoojv3bsFlGSvAluM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="https://forgelitmag.com/about/"><span style="background: white; color: #0078d4; font-family: "Cambria",serif;">The Forge literary magazine</span></a></span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. </span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; font-family: "Cambria",serif;"> <br /></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> She's the author of<span class="xxapple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmybook.to%2FYouBeneathYourSkin&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbc88e9f2cbea448197cb08db3da00a5d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638171529838353551%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6ZY3LzRGcRbErln24sFKGI2hv2lJ7GBi9tm8C3lP6Qo%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: http://mybook.to/YouBeneathYourSkin. Click or tap to follow the link."><span style="background: white; color: #0078d4; font-family: "Cambria",serif;">You Beneath
Your Skin</span></a></span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">, an Amazon-bestselling
crime novel, which has been<span class="xxapple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeadline.com%2F2020%2F06%2Fendemol-shine-india-web-series-based-on-1202967098%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbc88e9f2cbea448197cb08db3da00a5d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638171529838353551%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wVPFPSjatqwTSKncOqmZypKO6a%2BXR0948n4i%2BI4iY7s%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://deadline.com/2020/06/endemol-shine-india-web-series-based-on-1202967098/. Click or tap to follow the link."><span style="background: white; color: #0078d4; font-family: "Cambria",serif;">optioned for
screens by Endemol Shine.</span></a></span><span class="xxapple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Her next crime novel,<span class="xxapple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBlue-Bar-Mumbai-Thriller-Book-ebook%2Fdp%2FB09NKMQ9RK%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbc88e9f2cbea448197cb08db3da00a5d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638171529838353551%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4k2pnF%2Fkjy80D6uZdm8vd3YEd%2BjMMzIFsYFpNy6WKUs%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Bar-Mumbai-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09NKMQ9RK/. Click or tap to follow the link."><span style="background: white; color: #0078d4; font-family: "Cambria",serif;">The Blue Bar</span></a></span><span class="xxapple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">was published by<span class="xxapple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famazonpublishing.amazon.com%2Fthomas-mercer.html&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbc88e9f2cbea448197cb08db3da00a5d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638171529838353551%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=A9sMbSHOkUeHDHmTmM0aDUFq8imr%2BaXVSMy4w5v3xyA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://amazonpublishing.amazon.com/thomas-mercer.html. Click or tap to follow the link."><span style="background: white; color: #0078d4; font-family: "Cambria",serif;">Thomas &
Mercer USA</span></a></span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. It received a starred
review from Publishers Weekly, and Goodreads named it one of 2023's Most
Anticipated Mysteries & Thrillers. The sequel, The Blue Monsoon, is out on
24<sup>th</sup> Oct, 2023.</span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; font-family: "Cambria",serif;"></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj5o_G21wqzVgYJs9g89PCLAn6yRP43Tc4qCrSLFh61Y6lIYwdl8PLmk5dpbPhUknma8ncfETTFjbN_0xEGJktG6lWoDK0eoFAbkbVdDyFL_qe6ITOtNKYGkJQjXO94fuxDjX-jtNsjTh_IAuxu0ASFQ_t42KD8VBk88DPeWTQ1Bf4FXrzn6qMblQxG8/s2475/Final%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1650" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj5o_G21wqzVgYJs9g89PCLAn6yRP43Tc4qCrSLFh61Y6lIYwdl8PLmk5dpbPhUknma8ncfETTFjbN_0xEGJktG6lWoDK0eoFAbkbVdDyFL_qe6ITOtNKYGkJQjXO94fuxDjX-jtNsjTh_IAuxu0ASFQ_t42KD8VBk88DPeWTQ1Bf4FXrzn6qMblQxG8/w133-h200/Final%20cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />Her popular blog<span class="xxapple-converted-space"> </span><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.damyantiwrites.com%2Fblog%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbc88e9f2cbea448197cb08db3da00a5d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638171529838353551%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wELXXE9ZPjVfoH8OaqeZGSybBxFoV2ouFPof2tdbLao%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="https://www.damyantiwrites.com/blog/"><span style="background: white; color: #0078d4; font-family: "Cambria",serif;">Daily
(w)rite</span></a></span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">, where she speaks about
the writing life and interviews publishing professionals turned 15 this year.
Find out all about her and her books here.</span><span lang="EN-SG" style="background: white; font-family: "Cambria",serif;"></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-SG">ABOUT THE BLUE MONSOON: <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-SG"><a href="https://mybook.to/thebluemonsoon">AMAZON</a>|
<a href="https://mybook.to/thebluemonsoon">BARNES & NOBLE</a> | <a href="https://bio.link/damyanti">SIGNED COPIES</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-blue-black-hair-damyanti-biswas/19619688">BOOKSHOP.ORG</a></span></p>
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-43841595449024423512023-10-16T05:00:00.035-04:002023-10-16T05:58:52.539-04:00Six Ways an Author Can Turn Away Fans Online<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun1ogzLB7v16uab2PYii6lp2gAOUjV7pCEvq_dhz93dBDEw4Ew1TBqH3gvsQuLe1NGNOMR5_wkGs0FAnCZm6PESHxYfitRPIIgptzPXhJOD2zZFUhIT_zhbffGaoIHv3xQX-lDdS0KNY15MmIka1-UWoQHuPM_glKT-3Zg1u3A1AH_3C1u_YZXnxhos0/s711/badauthor%20copy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="711" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun1ogzLB7v16uab2PYii6lp2gAOUjV7pCEvq_dhz93dBDEw4Ew1TBqH3gvsQuLe1NGNOMR5_wkGs0FAnCZm6PESHxYfitRPIIgptzPXhJOD2zZFUhIT_zhbffGaoIHv3xQX-lDdS0KNY15MmIka1-UWoQHuPM_glKT-3Zg1u3A1AH_3C1u_YZXnxhos0/s320/badauthor%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Writers work hard to hone their craft. They work hard to
create a book that will sell. Authors work hard to build up an online presence
and a fan base. After all that effort, why would an author do things to destroy
their following? <br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly, they do. Here are six ways they do it: <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Being rude<br /></b>Being negative towards others should be an obvious way to
commit author suicide. But people still do it. This covers everything from
talking bad to fans to viewing everyone else as inferior. Author Jonathan
Franzen was insulted when Oprah wanted to make one of his novels a book club
pick, thinking he was above such a thing. He lost a lot of sales and a lot of
fans as a result. Never forget manners, be polite, and avoid meltdowns. (Meltdowns are the worst!)<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Spewing political stuff - either side<br /></b>The world is so divided, it’s almost a risk to say anything
these days. But authors need to watch their words and not alienate half their
fan base in one Tweet. Stick to one’s values, sure, but don’t come down hard or
nasty. Better yet, avoid when possible. If it’s not what you write, why discuss
it? <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Belittling other authors<br /></b>Authors are a very supportive group, but there are always a
few who think other writers are below them. V.S. Naipaul stated no woman writer
was his literary equal. Martin Amis stated that writing children’s books were
below him. Slamming other authors, in general or specifically, never makes an
author look better. Makes him look even worse!<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Responding to negative reviews<br /></b>Negative reviews happen to all authors. But responding to
those reviews, whether it be where they are posted or blasting it across social
media, is an unwise move. Arguing with a reviewer will never change their mind
and a lot of people will witness this futile battle, their opinion of the
author sinking lower with each exchange. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Over-promoting<br /></b>It’s tough to draw attention to new releases. But the
constant barrage of marketing doesn’t win new fans. When every Tweet, every
blog post, every share on social media involves one’s books, that’s a big
turn-off. Readers want to know about new books, but authors who just have to
mention their books every single time come off as a never-ending commercial. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Constant whining<br /></b>Finally, there’s just over-all complaining. Complaining
about sales, complaining about writing, complaining about editing, marketing,
brainstorming, etc. No one wants to hang around someone who is constantly
negative. Find something good to report. Make fans feel good about reading
social media posts rather than run from them. <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are probably many other things authors can do online
to shoot down their careers. What other behaviors come to your mind? Of the six
listed, which one turns you off the most?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-55236149406642689122023-10-09T15:10:00.001-04:002023-10-09T15:10:10.308-04:00Podcasting for Authors - Hosting and Guesting!<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0womyYHfKng6DPSekcR231UmNlfUqYcPHfAnBuP9o2yPJz1GxcWyKdIdi6nxdDutwcZLEjmR72sElAyXUMxZTDmt7O9ek81W2yb652arW7uZoP24G2sa1GYzFOyQCYmKMI_Ghi9h6FKveUr6Ts4XMUKl_tH0bsWJgqFDCz4QTcm9_Szu719SB-aq7SWM/s2517/278675107_118043587539867_5630081367994570801_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="2517" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0womyYHfKng6DPSekcR231UmNlfUqYcPHfAnBuP9o2yPJz1GxcWyKdIdi6nxdDutwcZLEjmR72sElAyXUMxZTDmt7O9ek81W2yb652arW7uZoP24G2sa1GYzFOyQCYmKMI_Ghi9h6FKveUr6Ts4XMUKl_tH0bsWJgqFDCz4QTcm9_Szu719SB-aq7SWM/w400-h184/278675107_118043587539867_5630081367994570801_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />First, I want to thank Insecure Writers Group for inviting
me to talk to you about podcasting! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have three podcasts currently, one about horsewomen and two literary podcasts.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I developed Carolina Writers Speak to give authors a voice
that they may not have had through other mediums. I focus on authors and
writers from North and South Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly
thereafter I launched Speaking of Writing to include authors that lived everywhere
else. All three of my podcasts are on every major podcasting platform.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you know there are 465 million podcast listeners in the world
and projected to be about 505 million by the end of 2024? The United States has
more podcast listeners than any country in the world. People are making podcasts
a normal part of their day. Many authors are finding this a great way to market
their books, their skills, and their brand. So how are you going to prepare
yourself to be a desired guest on podcast? Is there anyone here who feels that
their book would be of interest to listeners? What is that “thing” that you
feel would make your work desirable, is it your story, is it your life, maybe
it is your knowledge.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When you are asked to do a podcast interview you will need
to have a short bio (usually 3-4 paragraphs) be sure and highlight things that
are interesting that you have done. Unlike a resume, this is where you caught
my attention and made me want to know more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This process will be of use to you regardless of how you choose to
market your book. A great photo of your book cover. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a great time to make notes about what you want to
cover. Make bullet points about your book that you think the audience will find
interesting. If you want to read a part of your book, be sure it is marked and
ready to go. Don’t read for more than a couple of minutes. Utilize the
information that you used on your back cover as a teaser in the interview. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another great opportunity when discussing your book in a
podcast or wherever is to analyze the different types of audiences that you may
attract. So, in your commentary play to those audiences. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can ask standard questions. Make sure you listen and
review a couple of their podcasts before you are interviewed so you will know what
to expect. They may ask you to send them a list of topics you would like
covered, fun facts about you or your book, will you be able to read a selection
you’re your book? If your work is about a personal opinion, or you take a
specific stance about a controversial topic, you need to discuss this with your
host beforehand. Not that they agree or disagree with your point of view, but
it makes it easier to navigate the interview process if we discuss this in
advance. All journalists, whether written or spoken, slant their stories
however they wish. To insure that you are seen in the best light and presented
the way you wish to be, make it clear and easy for the host to know what you
are about. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also, not all podcast hosts edit their podcast or know how. You
should ask if they edit or not so that you are prepared for what comes. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eaFcZWzbuOAiHwGenLQivLQoSEPOv8h8A9afFsPG1vpZJ_RRuw2bDQbNhP0VnZWa9MYuxGrPdcPtSTzxJRk62Pqn1I_T7AKGB3zpPHETbzIj-DYxBuE8tHQ8mAcTOQZ9uRFlKDL8lTxLzL5dNO2AhW8SpEWhKB4D8HalqbWVCya0us0xT_JpgwaKW7Se/s960/287770336_392322292852429_8673408586083974741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="960" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eaFcZWzbuOAiHwGenLQivLQoSEPOv8h8A9afFsPG1vpZJ_RRuw2bDQbNhP0VnZWa9MYuxGrPdcPtSTzxJRk62Pqn1I_T7AKGB3zpPHETbzIj-DYxBuE8tHQ8mAcTOQZ9uRFlKDL8lTxLzL5dNO2AhW8SpEWhKB4D8HalqbWVCya0us0xT_JpgwaKW7Se/s320/287770336_392322292852429_8673408586083974741_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />When I interview you, I don’t have a standard list of
questions because I want it to be a free-flowing conversation between us. I have
my guest tell us a little about themselves as a person and tell me about their
most recent book. After you describe the book, I will ask where people can
purchase it. If you have published multiple books, I may ask you about the
others. Then we talk about whether you are published traditionally or self. Be
sure to allow it to be a two-way conversation between you. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Podcasters use many platforms for their work. Be sure and
ask if there is a charge, video, and audio, et. Audio files are small, and I
can do them in my pajamas. My podcasts are very easy, just a telephone call. Be
sure you are in a quiet place with no distractions. Every sound comes up during
the interview and sounds are hard to get out, the dog barking or loud vehicles
in the background. I also talk to you a couple of minutes before we start to
help take the nervous edge off and relax you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When you are interviewed take time to pause and breathe. I have
learned that if you slow down, pause, and breathe you have more control over
the conversation and you give your audience time to absorb what you are saying.
Read their reactions, if they look confused, they probably are. Slow down, breathe,
and give them time to respond.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the podcast is done, your host will close it out by
thanking the audience and will give you an idea of when it will go live and
send you a link. Your podcast link won’t help you if you don’t make sure you
post it to all your social media sites and include it in your newsletter. Make
sure you ask if you can use their link to promote yourself and your book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KMMCvPPU5OCWm6o-gNiqT0XgPjhuvQaNm1Q8tGyGGMcF374gP2uIz11JjiAO9kT1Y_NRg3BhM_xi94q42MqZkke90tY8fvSkCkKA0b3v849NhjbWrGIudhWyD8x_XQ2HFJOnh_-1dOOGE1Vz4E7K-EEUxYT-AccniM9yKNxOiicENS7gpuEhyt8WG37j/s750/Rose%20Cushing%20ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KMMCvPPU5OCWm6o-gNiqT0XgPjhuvQaNm1Q8tGyGGMcF374gP2uIz11JjiAO9kT1Y_NRg3BhM_xi94q42MqZkke90tY8fvSkCkKA0b3v849NhjbWrGIudhWyD8x_XQ2HFJOnh_-1dOOGE1Vz4E7K-EEUxYT-AccniM9yKNxOiicENS7gpuEhyt8WG37j/w200-h200/Rose%20Cushing%20ebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Rose Cushing is an author, podcast host, publisher,
television producer and documentary film maker. She loves horses, writing, marketing,
and gardening. In her contemporary women’s fiction Chasing the Wind she takes
us on a journey of life changing proportions from being a small-town journalist
to an heiress traveling the world. Her debut novel will be available in October
2023 <a href="http://www.rosecushing.com">www.rosecushing.com</a> . She also
established Cushing Publishing, a small traditional publishing house in
2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.CushingPublishing.com">www.CushingPublishing.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For podcasts Carolina Writers Speak and
Speaking of Writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p>
L. Diane Wolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-66565844319514849872023-10-04T04:00:00.088-04:002023-10-04T04:00:00.137-04:00Fall Into IWSG Day<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JV_vqN1Lom-FqY9T9odQuHEqiafiwpXnPMhQG-O3Jz7TVz1SjwQx9jDwGxzw00BcDbaHVDwqTYE8MFw-3YwGxuou2zoHFdv7K4V6jEy16GVOUoCmM14Kbo9lQtO1vBdLd0Q4mlwoBth5JPd5IBKuoWAukX_CSckghNLatBNO6B0nINKxn7-hR6d7vCNf/s932/iwsg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JV_vqN1Lom-FqY9T9odQuHEqiafiwpXnPMhQG-O3Jz7TVz1SjwQx9jDwGxzw00BcDbaHVDwqTYE8MFw-3YwGxuou2zoHFdv7K4V6jEy16GVOUoCmM14Kbo9lQtO1vBdLd0Q4mlwoBth5JPd5IBKuoWAukX_CSckghNLatBNO6B0nINKxn7-hR6d7vCNf/s320/iwsg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting of the IWSG are <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>, <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="https://fictioncanbefun.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Debs Carey</a>, <a href="https://gwengardner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Gardner</a>, <a href="https://www.patriciajosephine.com">Patricia Josephine</a>, and <a href="https://www.rebecca-douglass.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Douglass</a>!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember, the question is optional!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>October 4 question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Assist me? Oh. You mean write my jumbled paragraph of a rough draft of a rough draft into some cohesive story so I can clam I wrote it when really the robot did it? Sure. Sounds good. Get to it robot. What? You're already done? Darn. I guess you better get to the fifty more I have waiting to be done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Assist is just a term used by the rich turds so that they can get away with using it. Eventually they are going to use it to take over most writing and save money for things like TV and movies and such. They'll have one writer take a pass at the end result maybe and that will be it. It has been that way with every invention ever created. Comes in. Makes the job of 20 down to 2. Company saves. Turds get richer. Rinse and repeat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As for novels and such. Bye bye ghost writers. And some 4 million books were released last year. Wait until every eejit with a big toe that has an idea from a flea on their dog gets a hold of it. Then they'll be an author thanks to the robot and 400,000,000 books will be released a year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It will be what it will be. But between now and Skynet there will be plenty of "fun" to be had.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thoughts on AI in writing? Think I'm wrong? Give it twenty years and then we'll see. As long as Skynet doesn't get us by then.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy IWSG Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Psst. This may have been written by a robot pretending to be a human or a human pretending to be a robot. Or a robot that is a robot or a human that is a human. Or maybe just an alien who looks like a human that pretends it is a robot. Or maybe just a little sometimes rhyming a..)</span></i></div></div>Pat Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07745293224202430152noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-83764065031237145802023-09-25T05:00:00.015-04:002023-09-25T05:00:00.135-04:00Make the Most of Having 15 Minutes to Write by Elizabeth S. Craig<p><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJnRuHECdYukfW3GMuybzMHz_YiRYhffIQqcUIP8RmBEJXcrDX-GId2tB4djZMbPSvyEdc8YbePNbiKg6fGQe5zsKVO_nGDOz3Y-9rpp08kPdS-Z8jLnb43x9jUmrsLJpBqFnrGVpjsBSgzwTAe69-NYPrr5wfD5kW2PZhtG81fcIUS1ORsu9zGxrkiw/s1020/15-minutes-1200-%C3%97-630-px1-1020x536.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1020" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJnRuHECdYukfW3GMuybzMHz_YiRYhffIQqcUIP8RmBEJXcrDX-GId2tB4djZMbPSvyEdc8YbePNbiKg6fGQe5zsKVO_nGDOz3Y-9rpp08kPdS-Z8jLnb43x9jUmrsLJpBqFnrGVpjsBSgzwTAe69-NYPrr5wfD5kW2PZhtG81fcIUS1ORsu9zGxrkiw/w400-h210/15-minutes-1200-%C3%97-630-px1-1020x536.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />As hard as it is to imagine, the
holidays, beginning with Halloween next month, are fast approaching. Along with
the whirl of activities come a change of routine and schedule, which may well
mean that you have little, if any, time to write. This is totally understandable,
considering there are family and friend commitments. Time-wise, you may be on a
totally different schedule or even in or out of town.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I try to squeeze in some writing
during the holidays as well as I can, while ensuring I'm still completely present
for family time. It's often just fifteen minutes. I've found, though, that you
can get a lot done in that amount of time. In fact, setting a timer and writing
for 15 minutes is one of my favorite ways to work, regardless of how busy life
is. That's because it's the perfect amount of time for me to really focus on my
writing without getting distracted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">If you're dealing
with fifteen-minute writing sessions, here are my tips for making the most of
them:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Note where you left off the day
before:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> At the end of your writing session, jot down a couple of
notes so you can jump into where you left off the following day. This keeps you
from re-reading what you wrote last time (which not only slows you down, but
can put you in editing mode instead of creative mode).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Think about your story for a second
before your session starts:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> On your way over to your laptop and
while you’re booting up, think about where you want the session to go. What are
you wanting to accomplish? Is this a scene with dialogue between characters? Is
this going to be a transition scene? Are you developing the setting or adding
description during the session?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Mute notifications:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
If you don't mute notifications, that 15-minute period is going to get hijacked
by your phone. Minimizing distractions is the best way to focus during your
short session.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Try to be flexible:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
If you're usually a morning writer, but your houseguests are taking naps after
lunch, try writing in the afternoon. Or try to write for a few minutes before
turning in at the end of the day. See if you can squeeze in a writing session
in any sort of dead time . . . waiting for the kids to come out of basketball
practice, waiting for your car to get its oil change, etc.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Make lists instead of doing
traditional writing:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Maybe you don’t have a full
fifteen minutes. Maybe you really only have five minutes. I’ve found that
during my busiest days, making lists can help me make progress on my
manuscript. Basically, you advance your story by thinking up 5 ways to describe
your main character, 5 ways the character could grow, 10 possible subplots, 5
ways to describe the setting, etc. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Or maybe you’re in the revision
process with your story. You could think up 5 ways to get out of the plot hole
you’ve discovered. Or 5 possible endings for your book, if you’re not happy
with the one you’ve penned.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Something else I've found . . . <b>these
quick writing sessions work best if you can write each day for 5-15 minutes</b>.
It helps when your head is still in the story world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Do you write in shorter writing
sessions, or do you prefer longer ones? What does your holiday writing schedule
usually look like?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;"><a name="_Hlk55040520"><span style="background: white; color: #141412; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkrlQ5MwZdGDtTpzu4T08tr8Miye9Zk6noB_1Zto_IoxD7Sldw5hEMImmnJ3GbiUpYguVYWaOy7NYFclulH-UmGS3r9LjvZVbUgw3wjKBr6TNvGtf-c_8Y9cKKE97xw4GSnrRMrPklrO7ygljh4bO8jfErjyiVzJx6VgRlXLW-vrtb5FPPq4yPoXdwOA/s2100/Elizabeth%20Spann%20Craig%20Headshot%20(2)%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="2100" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkrlQ5MwZdGDtTpzu4T08tr8Miye9Zk6noB_1Zto_IoxD7Sldw5hEMImmnJ3GbiUpYguVYWaOy7NYFclulH-UmGS3r9LjvZVbUgw3wjKBr6TNvGtf-c_8Y9cKKE97xw4GSnrRMrPklrO7ygljh4bO8jfErjyiVzJx6VgRlXLW-vrtb5FPPq4yPoXdwOA/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Spann%20Craig%20Headshot%20(2)%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery
author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries,
the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin
Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Her latest book is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://elizabethspanncraig.com/quilt-complex/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk55040520;"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quilt Complex</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk55040520;"><span style="background: white; color: #141412; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
which releases tomorrow. Follow her on Twitter where she shares writing links
@elizabethscraig or at her blog where she offers tips for writers: </span></span><a href="http://elizabethspanncraig.com/blog/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk55040520;"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://elizabethspanncraig.com/blog/</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk55040520;"><span style="background: white; color: #141412; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
lives in Western North Carolina with her husband and is the mother of two. </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk55040520;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><p></p>
Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-68864341942527950122023-09-18T06:30:00.011-04:002023-09-18T06:30:00.130-04:00Do You Enjoy Serialized Fiction?<h2 style="text-align: left;"> Fiction subscriptions might be one way to go if you are an author. </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJjag41S8Jxl8RfP7diDdqfOKLJjkNmCQp_fQfRCmWCke2dDjBkly6sKBGfw0C-OGTmnhaD20UgIUvcG7RH9qH1WFmBnDCIYINXhnZNcp4NLwZ3ol9V-tu6nzb9iXC-Q87z-s2gxfO3zYcFQYkOFIIqw8dtcpnIe1WIFEJLtedRl2PVc_xd8upDSXm4Wi/s800/spiderman%20reading%20book%20Unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJjag41S8Jxl8RfP7diDdqfOKLJjkNmCQp_fQfRCmWCke2dDjBkly6sKBGfw0C-OGTmnhaD20UgIUvcG7RH9qH1WFmBnDCIYINXhnZNcp4NLwZ3ol9V-tu6nzb9iXC-Q87z-s2gxfO3zYcFQYkOFIIqw8dtcpnIe1WIFEJLtedRl2PVc_xd8upDSXm4Wi/s320/spiderman%20reading%20book%20Unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p class="graf graf--p" name="6d0a" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://unsplash.com/@roadtripwithraj?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral" href="https://unsplash.com/@roadtripwithraj?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral" rel="photo-creator noopener" target="_blank">Road Trip with Raj</a> on <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral" href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral" rel="photo-source noopener" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></p><p class="graf graf--p" name="ef25">Writers like Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott understood the potential of subscription fiction. They used it to lure a wildly fanatic fanbase. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="01cf">There are stories of fists fight breaking out when Charles Dickens' new stories came across the sea to America. Rabid readers could not wait to get their hands on it. It is not an exaggeration to say he built his fanbase one reader at a time through the subscription style stories. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="ef25">Authors thought that the power of subscription fiction was lost in the days of yore, but the internet provided a low-cost option, and subscription authors are currently making a comeback. . </p><h3 class="graf graf--h3" name="07b7">Reading</h3><p class="graf graf--p" name="9916">I am a voracious reader. And yes, I am addicted to series and serializations. I also binge watch Netflix, Hula, Disney, Paramount and so forth, lol. I love stories. I have learned to love story craft in an almost addictive way. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="22e2">Anyone who knows me has probably heard this story: my mother taught me to read before I started kindergarten. I have no memories of not reading. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="a119">I was an only child, so stories were my playmates, my adventure, and a learning tool about the world, places, and, peoples. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="cdd6">The point — I love book series and I enjoy serialized fiction in all its many forms. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="54ef">So what can writing serialized fiction do for you? The benefits are manifold.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Build Writing Skills</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Active Hooks</b></div><p class="graf graf--p" name="fb69">Learning to write in a serialized way helps teach you about using <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-Buckham/author/B001HCZW8U" href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-Buckham/author/B001HCZW8U" rel="noopener" target="_blank">active hooks </a>in your stories. Active hooks are like cat nip to kitties. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="459d">They tempt the reader to keep reading, while making them feel immersed in the action rather than just observing the character live out their story.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Word Choices</b></div><p class="graf graf--p" name="d095">Serial scenes are often shorter than in a novel. It can help you learn to write shorter and tighter, to make careful and <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://osuokc.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ssoc/Active-Verbs-List.pdf" href="https://osuokc.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ssoc/Active-Verbs-List.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">active word choices.</a></p><p class="graf graf--p" name="a5b8">This helps you to convey your story's intention or actions with clarity and movement.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Endings</b></div><p class="graf graf--p" name="cf74">Hone the HOOK FACTOR. Learn to write active, engaging endings. Put your reader in the story with your character and keep them there. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="d793">Learn to engineer suspense, wonder, surprise, shock, and the cliffhanger that keeps them flipping pages. </p><h3 class="graf graf--h3" name="d772">Building Community</h3><p class="graf graf--p" name="2482">I guess one of the biggest reasons I am drawn to subscription fiction is the community building.</p><p class="graf graf--p" name="94cc">Market trends are changing and community is a viable way to build your readership. I’ve been recently reading “<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Brand-Community-Marketing-Strategy-ebook/dp/B0BQCRN6JQ" href="https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Brand-Community-Marketing-Strategy-ebook/dp/B0BQCRN6JQ" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Belonging To Brands: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy</a>” by Mark Schaeffer. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="1bd5">He uses many of his own life examples of why the community is so powerful, and what it has meant for him on his journey. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="a04e">As people, we want to belong, to matter, to feel part of something, and contribute. You learn leadership and support skills when you are part of a community, but especially when building one. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="7a4d">I signed up for <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://reamstories.com/create/junetakey" href="https://reamstories.com/create/junetakey" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ream</a>, a subscription platform, similar to Patreon, for authors created by authors for authors. <em class="markup--em markup--p-em">(*Ream is an affiliate link)</em></p><p class="graf graf--p" name="432e"><a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors/" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Subscription For Authors Facebook Group.</a> </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="b3e3">Ream supports this idea of building and owning your own author community. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="6767">In building your fanbase and super fans the sense of belonging this creates for readers can be a powerful incentive for them, and skill building tool for the author. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="d659">It is Ream’s community, along with all they offer to support authors, that kept me coming back and eventually joining Ream. I have learned so much since starting my subscription. </p><h3 class="graf graf--h3" name="9633">Subscription Fiction</h3><p class="graf graf--p" name="ded3">Most of you are probably familiar with subscription platform such as <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.patreon.com/home" href="https://www.patreon.com/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Patreon</a> or <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.royalroad.com/welcome" href="https://www.royalroad.com/welcome" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Royal Road</a> or <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://creators.wattpad.com/" href="https://creators.wattpad.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Wattpad.</a> These are places serial readers can go to, read freely, and enjoy the story. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="b2e3">These are also places you can hone your storytelling skills in practice with an audience. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="3412">Putting your writing out there can be scary. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="0988">This is one way to face that fear and practice. These sites have paying and non paying options for authors.</p><p class="graf graf--p" name="70dc">Subscription fiction platforms have been around for a while, but it has changed and grown in the last year. It is new opportunities and a new *yet an old* market for authors. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="c085">The reader's attention span has lessened, making short stories popular again. Serialized fiction is just another path that is opening up for many writers. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="8dc3">I was recently invited to take part in a Ream’s Top Author meeting. Yes, for the moment, wahoo, I am one of the top authors on Ream. </p><p class="graf graf--p" name="6b01">It's a new platform, just over a year old, but I believe it is here to stay. Starting my subscription and being part of the active community has brought a lot of joy, insight, and fun to my writing. </p><h3 class="graf graf--h3" name="29c9">Lessons Learned</h3><ul class="postList"><li class="graf graf--li" name="6918">Community Building.</li><li class="graf graf--li" name="87e9">Hone writing skills: tighter, focused fiction writing.</li><li class="graf graf--li" name="635e">A sense of belonging — being part of a community, and taking part in something game changing for authors.</li><li class="graf graf--li" name="a944">Networking skills where I can support others and vice versa.</li><li class="graf graf--li" name="591f">All the interactions in the Ream community and the community I am building “make me feel” the way I did back when I discovered my first blogging group. I have made new friends. I am continually building working relationships — Is it work? Eh, a little, but so is blogging consistently and interacting with bloggers and commenters. </li></ul>The reason subscriptions work to build your audience so well is because it gives the audience a stake in your success. And by giving your fans a stake in your success, their support dramatically increases. </div><div><br />In 2022 alone, there were <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.zippia.com/advice/us-book-industry-statistics/?fbclid=IwAR2WovqXVc_aoqGPnC-XzIX13qQ1S1BDUpXTF7g57ezmIJvBrpmB8VyxDWk" href="https://www.zippia.com/advice/us-book-industry-statistics/?fbclid=IwAR2WovqXVc_aoqGPnC-XzIX13qQ1S1BDUpXTF7g57ezmIJvBrpmB8VyxDWk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">four million books published</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Subscriptions give Indie Authors a path to do what all writers want to do: get your work in front of active readers. <br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="graf graf--p" name="6931"><strong class="markup--strong markup--p-strong"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em"></em></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong class="markup--strong markup--p-strong"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsWf2MBblAjgsMEMEHzUqFei5WpXu9ioxkXcQTs4IX0qVtUGk1Wz28LsVIRHltKbQcvVsNudX53MIOHO4fCTXAaJQAVLc9ZvOZk1_vWqRPxqRbiS5iVvYsbzuAUlpaXeOI-mi8z3z6q2y03tEGtapU0kBsN_E5I8b66Bpr4ozn9srj22Rj1kgTVow_Lf9/s800/photo%20logo%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsWf2MBblAjgsMEMEHzUqFei5WpXu9ioxkXcQTs4IX0qVtUGk1Wz28LsVIRHltKbQcvVsNudX53MIOHO4fCTXAaJQAVLc9ZvOZk1_vWqRPxqRbiS5iVvYsbzuAUlpaXeOI-mi8z3z6q2y03tEGtapU0kBsN_E5I8b66Bpr4ozn9srj22Rj1kgTVow_Lf9/s320/photo%20logo%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></em></strong></div><strong class="markup--strong markup--p-strong"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em"><br />New</em></strong>! <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://reamstories.com/junetakey?source=about_page-------------------------------------" href="https://reamstories.com/junetakey?source=about_page-------------------------------------" rel="noopener follow noopener" target="_blank" title="https://reamstories.com/junetakey"><strong class="markup--strong markup--p-strong">Juneta’s Fiction Subscription:</strong></a><strong class="markup--strong markup--p-strong"> </strong>Be part of the community! Get Early ACCESS to Midlife Ghostwalker: Katje Storm draft, book one, in a planned six-book series. Come join the fun, read, and interact. <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://linktr.ee/JunetaKey" href="https://linktr.ee/JunetaKey" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Juneta</span></b></a> loves writing speculative fiction which includes Midlife Paranormal Women’s Fiction, Paranormal Cozy Mystery, Space Opera, Mythic Humor, and Fantasy Adventure.<p></p></div>Juneta keyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815758043024184034noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136420115688099157.post-55681454213668080292023-09-11T07:30:00.001-04:002023-09-11T07:30:00.133-04:00Shark Infested Waters<p>As writers we have two goals: write good books and tell people about them, so they can read what we write. In the olden days, getting the word out to the reading public often meant giving talks at libraries or bookstores, maybe making radio or TV appearances and snail-mailing publicity materials. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka_kJRwQD_nBtUUYffnYxp8M8Pg44-oQLpT8z9b8xMZ13vigoMWnhVD9ctFDxUU1T8LzJg0FYPyY9ddYNT891se0rqi-MmJP5tv5fdrBNAMWXKCss-_VyN1jJxPXerM5UyfE9vGaGtXXmxMgjJ1Uyum-hJQNkhLIy-acKgsP_9TJWy5PNhzTxpIEW_I8/s2848/loudspeaker.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="2848" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka_kJRwQD_nBtUUYffnYxp8M8Pg44-oQLpT8z9b8xMZ13vigoMWnhVD9ctFDxUU1T8LzJg0FYPyY9ddYNT891se0rqi-MmJP5tv5fdrBNAMWXKCss-_VyN1jJxPXerM5UyfE9vGaGtXXmxMgjJ1Uyum-hJQNkhLIy-acKgsP_9TJWy5PNhzTxpIEW_I8/s320/loudspeaker.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>As you well know, today, so much of getting the word out is done online, and while it’s efficient and potentially reaches a wider audience, this way of promoting books is fraught with a lot of dangers. The biggest ones are identity theft, and for us, book promotion scams. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To reduce the danger of having your identity stolen, keep an eye on your accounts:</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Check your credit card charges monthly. If there’s a charge for some tiny amount, alert the credit card company immediately. This is someone testing out your card. Unreported, the next charge from them could be a doozie. One month I found three charges from the same firm. The first charge was $1.00. The second was $5.00. The third was $350.00. Fortunately, the purchases were so obviously not part of my spending pattern, Visa had already flagged them. </li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Get your free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is the <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com" target="_blank">link</a> to order a free credit report. ( Sorry, but I’m not up on how this is done outside the U.S.)</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Make it a rule to never open an email or answer a phone call if you don’t recognize the name, the email address, or the phone number. Preview the email, but never click on any of the links. If you think it’s phishing, report it to whatever company is appropriate: PayPal has recently been getting a lot of forwards from me. I forward the entire message to phishing@paypal.com, then I delete the message. For phone calls, if the caller is legitimate, they’ll leave a voice message, and you can get back to them.</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKm4_ctE2p2N7mhrKsRrogTKq56GeyjOiB7TQTj0kqICB6pY5THNvyVBXMhp6uMhgZkPOYaO248HIg1JlGk5RiJvg6zuh41mxpOXBsgGdK7X2I5adP21LYnaGU_9erRtA1G7APpR2ThxRJGsuJMkYo3HhVIx6o8fv375XkNtvFJqBisH9ULFKPGu8w1M/s3264/bandit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKm4_ctE2p2N7mhrKsRrogTKq56GeyjOiB7TQTj0kqICB6pY5THNvyVBXMhp6uMhgZkPOYaO248HIg1JlGk5RiJvg6zuh41mxpOXBsgGdK7X2I5adP21LYnaGU_9erRtA1G7APpR2ThxRJGsuJMkYo3HhVIx6o8fv375XkNtvFJqBisH9ULFKPGu8w1M/s320/bandit.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to people offering to promote your book take some precautions before you hand over those dollars. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ask if others have had experience with the company-#IWSG, #WriterBeware are two good sources on Facebook.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do a search of their online presence and pay close attention to the language on their website or in their emails. There are often telltale signs that these people aren’t professionals who are interested in books at all. </li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Double check the name. I recently was contacted by a firm with Booksy in their name; however, they weren’t associated with the legitimate Freebooksy or BargainBooksy. </li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There are a lot of websites that do scam detection, so you can enter the name of the company and see how they rate the one you’re considering. </li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Or avoid all of this and rely on the network of writers you know and trust.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Writers wear a lot of hats, and protecting ourselves and our work from being taken advantage of is a very import and very big hat! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>cleemckenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.com8